I still remember watching that crucial PBA game last season, when Jayson Castro’s driving lay-up extended TNT’s lead to 89-80 with just 1:47 remaining on the clock. The arena was electric, but what struck me most wasn’t just Castro’s craftiness—it was how that moment mirrored the kind of clutch, two-way versatility we’re seeing more and more from modern NBA wings. And if there’s one player who embodies that evolution, it’s Mikal Bridges. From a 3-and-D specialist to an offensive focal point, Bridges has quietly become one of the most compelling stories in today’s NBA. His transformation didn’t happen overnight, but when you look closely, you start to see a pattern—a shift in how teams value players who can impact the game on both ends without needing to dominate the ball.
When Bridges entered the league, he was known primarily for his defensive instincts and reliable outside shooting. I’ve always admired players who excel in those thankless roles—the ones who don’t need plays called for them but still leave their mark on the game. In his early years with the Phoenix Suns, Bridges was the perfect complementary piece. He’d lock down the opponent’s best perimeter player, knock down corner threes, and make the extra pass. It’s the kind of stuff that doesn’t always show up in traditional box scores but wins games. And win they did—the Suns reached the NBA Finals in 2021, with Bridges playing all 82 games that season and averaging over 13 points per game while shooting 42.5% from deep. Those numbers might not jump off the page, but anyone who watched knew his value.
Then came the trade to Brooklyn. I’ll be honest—I was skeptical at first. Bridges had never been a primary scoring option, and asking him to carry an offense seemed like a stretch. But what we’ve witnessed since has been nothing short of remarkable. Almost overnight, his usage rate jumped, and so did his production. In 27 games with the Nets to close out the 2022-23 season, Bridges averaged 26.1 points, up from 17.2 with the Suns earlier that year. That kind of leap is rare, especially for a player in his mid-20s who’s already established an identity. But Bridges didn’t just maintain his efficiency—he improved it, showcasing a dribble pull-up game and playmaking ability that many didn’t know he had.
What’s fascinating to me is how Bridges represents a new archetype of NBA star—one who doesn’t need to pound the ball for 10 seconds to make things happen. He’s what I like to call a “connector” on offense and a “disruptor” on defense. Think about it: how many players can you name who guard the other team’s best player every night while also averaging over 20 points? Not many. And in today’s positionless basketball, that two-way impact is becoming increasingly valuable. Teams are realizing that having a player who can seamlessly transition from locking down a guard on one end to running a pick-and-roll on the other is a championship-level luxury.
I see parallels between Bridges’ development and the kind of players who thrive in international competitions. Take that PBA game I mentioned earlier—when Jayson Castro made that lay-up to put TNT up by nine, it wasn’t just about scoring. It was about understanding time, score, and momentum. Similarly, when Ginebra mounted their comeback with Justin Brownlee’s four-point play and subsequent lay-up cutting the lead to three with 20 seconds left, it highlighted how quickly games can turn when you have versatile players who can impact multiple facets of the game. Bridges brings that same Swiss Army knife quality to the NBA—he can score in transition, defend multiple positions, and make smart decisions with or without the ball.
The numbers back this up too. This season, Bridges is averaging career highs in points (21.4), rebounds (4.8), and assists (3.7) while still maintaining his defensive intensity. He’s one of only six players this year putting up at least 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists while also averaging over 1.5 steals per game. But beyond the stats, what impresses me most is his durability—he hasn’t missed a single NBA game since being drafted in 2018. That’s over 400 consecutive games played, a testament to his conditioning and professionalism. In an era where load management has become commonplace, Bridges’ ironman streak is both refreshing and incredibly valuable.
Looking ahead, I believe Bridges’ style of play is where the NBA is heading. The days of one-dimensional specialists are numbered. Teams want players who can space the floor, switch defensively, and make quick decisions. Bridges checks all those boxes while bringing a quiet confidence that elevates his teammates. He may not have the flashy highlights of some superstars, but his impact is undeniable. As the league continues to prioritize versatility and efficiency, players like Bridges—who can excel without monopolizing possessions—will only become more crucial to team success. His rise isn’t just a nice story; it’s a blueprint for the modern NBA wing.