Since joining the Brooklyn Nets via a trade involving Kevin Durant last season, Mikal Bridges has seen a significant shift in his role and responsibilities on the court.
The 27-year-old small forward initially started the 2022-23 NBA season with the Phoenix Suns, where he averaged 17.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while playing 36.4 minutes per game.
However, after the trade to the Nets, Bridges’ numbers experienced a considerable uptick, with averages of 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 34.2 minutes per game.
Embracing his new role in Brooklyn, Bridges recently shared his thoughts on the evolving expectations and responsibilities.
“It’s a new role,” he said, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “Personally, I think I can fulfill it and succeed in it with who I am as a person. I’m willing to take every bullet, take the blame for losing: I’m ready for all that. Personally, I think I’m ready, but we’ll see.”
Bridges expressed his eagerness to shoulder the burden of being a primary contributor, highlighting the pressure and expectations that come with such a role.
“Who wouldn’t want this? Who wouldn’t want this type of pressure, this type of expectations? If you really love the game and really want to be the best you can be, you’d want this … where you’re the main guy and everything’s on your shoulders,” he added.
