Phoenix Suns media day is in the books, and Miles Bridges’ surprising comments on wanting to be “matchup nightmares” alongside Dillon Brooks were exactly what fans wanted to hear.
Bridges committing to defensive work changes everything
The former Charlotte Hornet was never going to take the podium and say he doesn’t care about defending, but his word choice here was perfect. Brooks is already one of the most annoying defenders in the NBA; for Bridges to want to get to that level alongside him would give the entire franchise a huge boost.
It would ensure that the Suns once again have a top-10 defense this season, while it would take some of the mounting pressure off center Khaman Maluach to explode out of the gate.
Most importantly, it would bring better balance to their starting five and make Jalen Green’s life easier in the process. The foursome of Bridges, Brooks, Green, and Devin Booker have all scored over 20 points a night at some point across the last two seasons. There won’t be enough possessions for everybody to get theirs, so having Bridges recalibrate what he thinks he can bring to the court is important.
It would also ensure the Suns can survive with a backcourt featuring Green and Booker, given that Green has never been an above-average defender. Instead, he worked with Steve Nash this summer to try to make the fit with Booker more cohesive, which is just as important as Bridges’ commitment to being the best version of his defensive self.
Having Brooks should elevate Bridges, as 12 months ago, he dubbed Collin Gillespie “Villain Jr.” It was clear that the point guard was eager to act as a sidekick on the defensive end to the Canadian international.
Bridges has to go one step further and be a co-star as a defender with Brooks. Given the positive impact he has on all teammates and helping change the culture in The Valley, you would be foolish to bet against that happening.
Bridges must have career year as defender for Suns to win
As nice as it is to hear Bridges begin life in Phoenix talking about defending and forming a partnership with Brooks, there really is no other way the Suns can hope to win over 45 games and make the playoffs once more if that doesn’t happen.
Coach Ott has built this team’s identity around defense, and Bridges is now a crucial part of that as their starting four. He will also have to continue scoring at nearly the same rate as the past, given the Suns’ lack of quality scorers around Booker.
An excellent attitude right out the gate, but the hard work is only beginning for Bridges and company.
