Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Hornets: Miles Bridges’ Case For Most Improved Player

By Trejan Rowbotham

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 26: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts following a basket during the second half of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Spectrum Center on November 26, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 26: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts following a basket during the second half of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Spectrum Center on November 26, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Charlotte Hornets have been developing a young power forward out of Michigan State University for nearly four years now. Miles Bridges entered the league as an under-sized, Draymond Green wannabe. In his fourth year, Bridges is starting to live up to the 12th overall pick that he was selected with.

In 2021-22, Bridges is averaging career-best numbers across the main five statistical categories. His 20 points per game is seven higher than his next-best season. He is also averaging a career-high in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks, which have all marginally improved over last season’s high marks.

How every current Charlotte Hornets player performed in March Madness. light. Read

This is not to say that Bridges will be the next Giannis Antetokounmpo, who increased all five categories for the first five years of his career, but it is certainly a nice start. As Bridges enters free agency in 2022, the Hornets will have to pay a premium if they want to keep their guy.

While most players increase their numbers when they receive significantly more playing time from year to year, Bridges has been a starter for the past two seasons. For players like Jordan Poole, who were thrust into a much larger role at the start of the season, their numbers are naturally going to sky-rocket.

In Bridges’ case, he has been playing 30 minutes per game for the past two seasons. The sudden increase to 36 minutes per game helped his numbers, but he is still in the same type of role he has been in for a while.

Because it is a similar role to years past, Bridges should be the clear choice for Most Improved Player in 2022. While an All-Star selection would have aided the cause, Bridges’ teammate, LaMelo Ball, swiped that honor this season.

As of now, Bridges is tied with Darius Garland for the second-best odds at winning the Most Improved Player Award. Both stars are looking up at Ja Morant, who is also having a career-best season.

Next. Is James Bouknight A Bust After One Season?. dark

No matter how the hardware is distributed, the Hornets have found a gem in the draft. It may have taken a few years for the gem to shine, but Bridges is shining on the brightest of stages in his fourth season for the Swarm.

Home/Hornets News