Player Name: MIKAL BRIDGES
Team: PHOENIX SUNS
Years Pro: 3
Draft: 2018, First Round #10
Number of Top Shot Moments: 3
Fun Fact: A Philadelphia native, Bridges was originally selected by his hometown 76ers before being traded on draft night to the Suns
This is #1 in a series where I will highlight some of the best young players in the NBA to add to your Top Shot collection who you might not have heard much about. No, I’m not talking about your Lebrons, your Lukas, or your Currys, I’m talking about emerging stars whose popularity should only continue to rise in the years to come.
One of the hottest teams in the NBA Playoffs right now is the Phoenix Suns. They’re currently facing the Denver Nuggets trying to secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals. Sure, they have the all-star backcourt duo of Chris Paul and Devin Booker, but there’s another budding star helping them through the treacherous path of the West.
Mikal Bridges is a 24-year-old three-year player out of Villanova, where he helped the Wildcats to 2 national championships. This season, Bridges is averaging 13.5 points on 42% shooting from three-point range. His three-point shooting is hardly scratching the surface of what Bridges has to offer. Bridges is noted as an elite defender already and will surely only get better and better.
My favorite Top Shot moment of Bridges is currently his dunk down the baseline against the Indiana Pacers. It’s not crazy flashy, but it is his first moment (Top Shot Debut) so there were only 3,999 ever minted. I think if you’re looking to invest in Bridges stock, this moment is definitely the place to start.
The play by Bridges I would most like to see arrive to Top Shot (#NBATopShotThis) would be him chasing down Lebron James for a block. It really shows off his defensive abilities, plus any play that ends with a young player stuffing the King should be recognized and will most likely be beloved by many.
Mikal Bridges is clearly a player on the rise. He continues to be an impactful player even in the Playoffs, which puts him in great position to stay relevant in the league for many more years to come. Bridges has plenty of potential and should be a force to be reckoned with moving forward.
