Knicks' Mikal Bridges Deserves More Attention

Throughout the first 13 games of the season, Bridges has earned himself the right to be called one of the better three-point shooters in the league. Bridges is currently averaging 16.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, while shooting 50% from the field and 42% from three on 5.8 attempts per game. Bridges has made a three-pointer in all but one game so far for the Knicks this season.

In Mike Brown's offense, there is tremendous ball movement, players moving off the ball and three point shooting at will, especially in the corners, in which Bridges is thriving. In seven of the 13 games this season, he has hit at least three from beyond the arc, including two games in which he drained four. Bridges has proven he is a reliable option this season, scoring in double digits in 12 out of the 13 games and doing so efficiently.

With Jalen Brunson nursing a Grade 1 ankle sprain expected back soon and OG Anunoby missing a few weeks due to a hamstring strain, Bridges will become a viable role on offense. Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns will be expected to lead the team in scoring until their teammates return. This is where we can see Bridges potentially showcase his true offensive promise like he did in Brooklyn three seasons ago.

Elite Defensive Versatility

Bridges is in contention for one of the most versatile defenders in the association. With his length and size, Bridges is a capable lock down defender, pesky in the passing lanes and an outstanding help defender. Bridges so far this season is averaging two steals and 1.2 blocks per game. Bridges has swiped a steal in nine of 13 games.

In a game against the Miami Heat, where he shot poorly from the field, Bridges made up for it on the defensive end, swiping a total of seven steals. That is the type of player he is and has been since his days in Villanova under legendary head coach Jay Wright. Bridges gives maximum effort in every single minute of the 35 minutes he averages per game.

All-Star Case?

Being one of the better three-point shooters in basketball, combined with an elite defensive presence, Bridges has the making of what an All-Star should be. Bridges is making a solid case and could definitely get the first All-Star nod of his career. The season is still early, but on this trajectory, Bridges would be one of the better wing players in the eastern conference. The best ability is availability: throughout his career, Bridges has been just that. Since entering the season in the 2018-2019 NBA season, Bridges has went on to not miss a single game.

The ability to stay healthy, playing 35-plus minutes per game while being a knocked down shooter, solid all-around scorer and one of the better defenders the league while playing in New York of all places is a good enough reason to be an all-star. There is not many that can bring to the table what Bridges brings night in and night out. The two-way star is a coaches dream to have on their team and it's showcased on a daily basis. Brunson and Towns are tremendous players in their own right and deserve the all-star status they have. But it is only a matter of time to Bridges gets that same attention and status.