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Hornets: Miles Bridges ruled ineligible for NBA Preseason

By James Mastrucci

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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When the Charlotte Hornets take the floor for their first preseason game, they will be doing so without Miles Bridges. This is due to him being ruled ineligible and will not be able to play in any of Charlotte’s preseason contests.

The ineligibility comes from the suspension handed down by the NBA to Bridges. Bridges missed the entire 2022-23 season due to domestic violence charges and was subsequently handed a 30-game suspension, with 20 of them considered to be served, having not played in a single game last year.

With Bridges not being able to participate in the preseason, this means he will not be able to appear in a game until Friday, November 17, against the Milwaukee Bucks during in-season tournament play. Bridges’ first regular-season appearance could take place the very next night against the New York Knicks.

The lack of actual time on the court could be an issue for Bridges upon his return. There is only so much that practice time can provide, as there is no substitute for actual NBA game action. It would not be a surprise for Bridges to take at least a few games to get back in the groove of playing an NBA schedule. Do not sound the alarm if Bridges struggles early on, as it should be somewhat expected considering he was last on the court on April 10, 2022.

Bridges had the best season in his four-year career in 2022. The former Michigan State Spartan averaged 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 35.5 minutes per game, all career highs. At 25 years old, it may be possible for him to put up similar numbers, although the lengthy amount of time between on-court appearances could impact his ability to do so. What the Hornets truly need is someone who can contribute to playing complementary basketball that leads to winning games, even if that results in lesser individual numbers.

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