Mikal Bridges is a rising star in the NBA who is known for his versatile two-way game. Born on August 30, 1996, Bridges was drafted 10th overall in 2018. He was initially selected by his favorite NBA team Philadelphia 76ers but was traded to the Phoenix Suns on the same night. Suns believed in his exceptional talent and maturity, and gave him a place in the team’s rotations right from the start of his NBA career.
With the Suns, Bridges quickly transitioned into a two-way player, showcasing his ability to catch and shoot, but it was his elite defensive prowess that truly set him apart. His remarkable skills on the defensive end earned him the nickname "Warden." In the 2021-2022 season, Bridges finished as the runner-up in the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) race as he was instrumental in the Suns becoming the best regular-season team that season. He was also named to the All-NBA First Defensive Team, solidifying his status as one of the premier defenders in the league.
In a surprising turn of events in the 2024 off-season, Bridges became a central figure in a blockbuster trade that sent him from the Nets to the New York Knicks. With the Knicks, he is poised to embrace the role of the two-way impact player. Bridges is also known for his durability and consistency on the court. He has yet to miss a single game in his five-year NBA career. After the 2023-2024 season, Mikal Bridges held the active record for the most consecutive games played at 497, earning him the title of the current "Iron Man" of the NBA.
Mikal Bridges College Career
Mikal Bridges played college ball at Villanova University. In his first season, Bridges was a key player off the bench. In the 2015-16 college season, Bridges was never an offensive option for the Wildcats, but he was their defensive weapon who stopped the opposition’s best offensive players. Bridges' outstanding defensive skills and his team's deep roster played a pivotal role in their triumphant journey to the 2016 NCAA championship, marking the first title victory for Villanova since 1985.
In his second college season, Coach Jay Wright added Bridges in the starting unit, and his offensive game flourished. He upped his scoring average to 9.8 points per game, a significant improvement from his freshman year's 6.4 ppg. Despite being the number one team in the Big East, the Wildcats suffered an upset defeat in the second round of March Madness in 2017 against the Wisconsin Badgers.
In 2017, Mikal Bridges made the decision to extend his college career for one more year because he felt that he was still not ready for the bright lights of the NBA. In his third season, he blossomed into a true star. With lockdown defensive skills and an improved scoring average of 17.7 points per game, 43.5% from deep, Bridges became a force to be reckoned with.
Bridges won the Julius Erving Award for best small forward and led the Wildcats to the number two seed. He further solidified his legacy by guiding the Villanova Wildcats to another NCAA championship, scoring a pivotal 19 points in the final. With two NCAA titles, Bridges left an indelible mark on the college basketball scene.
Mikal Bridges Teammates at Villanova
At Villanova, Mikal Bridges found himself alongside future NBA talents like Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, and Donte DiVincenzo. In a basketball twist of fate, Bridges has now become teammates with Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson at New York Knicks. It remains to be seen if this two-time college champion core can lead the famous Knicks franchise to the NBA championship.
FAQs
A. Mikal Bridges is 28 years old as of October 2024. He was born on August 30, 1996.
A. According to the various online sources, the net worth of Mikal Bridges is $20 million.
A. Mikal Bridges plays as a small forward and shooting guard in the NBA.
A. Mikal Bridges went to Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
A. Mikal Bridges is 6 feet 6 inches or 1.98 m tall.
