Despite their 2-5 record to start the season, the Charlotte Hornets have shown glimpses of potential that suggest they could turn things around once they figure it all out. LaMelo Ball has been playing at an All-Star level, and Tre Mann is proving that his small sample size with the Hornets last season wasn’t a fluke. His 17.9 points off the bench this season rank second in the league, only behind Buddy Hield.
However, once again, the Hornets are plagued by one persistent issue: injuries. Mark Williams has now been inactive for a record 330 straight days, Nick Richards is out indefinitely due to a cartilage fracture in his right rib, Ball is dealing with ankle soreness, and Brandon Miller is still recovering from an glute injury. While these injuries have certainly upset Hornets fans, the struggles of Miles Bridges may be just as disheartening.
This summer, Bridges signed a three-year, $75 million contract, providing him the stability he had long been lacking. After an impressive 2021-22 season where he averaged 20.2 points per game, Bridges appeared poised for a big payday. Unfortunately, off-court issues forced him to miss 92 games, delaying his return. When he did come back last season, he averaged 21.0 points. However, this season, his numbers have taken a sharp dive.
What’s behind this decline? Is it time for the Hornets to consider bringing Bridges off the bench or even explore trading him?
A Product of Volume?
Bridges’ career trajectory has been heavily influenced by his minutes. In his first three seasons, he averaged 10.8 points on 46/35/81% shooting in 26.6 minutes per game. However, in the past two seasons, his numbers skyrocketed to 20.6 points on 47/34/81% shooting despite playing an average of 36.4 minutes per game. More minutes have translated into more opportunities for scoring.
This season, Bridges is playing 29.9 minutes per game, which is second on the team, but it’s still 8 minutes less than last season. He’s also taking five fewer shots per game. As the season progresses, both Bridges and the coaching staff need to ask: Is he the same player he was during his breakout years, or is he reverting to the more inconsistent version from his early career?
The Motivation Factor
When players sign lucrative contracts after a breakout season, there’s often an expectation they’ll continue to improve. Unfortunately, not all players live up to that standard. For Hornets fans, watching a player who was expected to be a consistent 20-point scorer drop to just 12.9 points per game is concerning. It’s also worth noting that Bridges’ best seasons came when he was playing for a contract—when he had the most to prove.
The season is still young, and it’s too early to write off Bridges completely. However, he needs to find ways to regain his form. One area where he can immediately improve is at the free-throw line. Despite being an 81% career shooter, he’s only averaging 3.0 free throws per game this season. Given his athleticism, Bridges should be drawing more fouls by attacking the rim instead of relying so heavily on outside shooting. Cutting down on three-pointers and focusing on driving to the basket might help him regain some confidence and consistency.
In Conclusion
Miles Bridges is at a critical juncture right now. The Hornets have invested significantly in him, betting on his ability to be a consistent scoring threat and a cornerstone of their future. However, the early-season decline in his performance has raised concerns. While the Hornets face injuries and other roster challenges, Bridges must prove he justifies the financial commitment the team made.
Bridges has the talent, athleticism, and potential to be a 20-point scorer. To justify the investment, he must elevate his game and take on a leadership role. Whether through improved scoring, attacking the rim, or consistency, Bridges must prove he is the player the Hornets envisioned. The time for potential is over—now, he must deliver.
One Response