Charlotte Hornets: Miles Bridges awarded Eastern Conference player of the week

It’s been announced by The Athletic’s, Shams Charania, that Charlotte Hornets forward, Miles Bridges, has been awarded Eastern Conference player of the week. In three games this season, Bridges is averaging 25.0 points per game, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.7 steals per game while leading the Hornets to a 3-0 record to start the season.

Bridges has been instrumental to the Hornets’ success so far this season. Scoring 30+ points in two of three of Charlotte’s matchups. The first time he’s scored 30+ in back-to-back games during his career.

There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding Bridges leading up to this season. His fantastic end to last season had fans very excited about his potential entering this season. Bridges finished the year averaging 18.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 19 games as a starter.

Bridges has done a wonderful job transforming his game since he’s entered the NBA. While he’s known as one of the league’s best dunkers, Bridges has also developed into one of the best three-point shooters in the league. After his first three games, Bridges is shooting 44.4% from behind the arc (8/18). If he can stay above 40% on the season that’ll be exceptional for the Hornets.

Not only on the offensive end is making an impact but Bridges has developed into one of the better on-ball defenders on the team. He isn’t necessarily elite on this end, but he’s improved in reading passing lanes to get steals (averaging 2.7) and can hold his own against some of the league’s best players (see Sunday vs. Brooklyn).

While Bridges has put the necessary work in, some credit has to be given to head coach James Borrego and his coaching staff. Since day one, Borrego has emphasized the importance of player development and the results can be seen. The staff has a plan with their young players and it appears to be working very well, producing a rookie of the year, now player of the week, flipping Devonte’ Graham’s value into a first-round pick, and developing some very solid role players.

For one reason or another Bridges didn’t sign an extension with Charlotte this past offseason. If he’s betting on himself taking the next leap to ensure he gets a better payday, then he couldn’t have started on a better note.

Hopefully, this trend can continue and Bridges can turn into the star that we all know he can be.