The Charlotte Hornets are currently facing a dilemma regarding Miles Bridges. Once considered a crucial player, his performance has been underwhelming. As the season progresses, the Hornets must find a solution to manage Bridges effectively.
Current Performance Issues
Against the Washington Wizards, the Hornets trailed by 11 points at halftime. Bridges contributed only four points on 2-7 shooting. However, a motivational talk from LaMelo Ball sparked a turnaround, allowing the Hornets to dominate in the second half.
In stark contrast, their game against the Miami Heat showcased more struggles. After a 16-point halftime deficit, they succumbed to a 27-point loss. Bridges, along with the frontcourt, failed to contain the Heat’s scoring, allowing Jaime Jaquez Jr., Bam Adebayo, and Andrew Wiggins to combine for 75 points.
The Call for Accountability
Although Bridges should not bear the entire blame, he must lead by example. As a veteran on the team, he has not delivered on offense or defense. His shooting percentages have been concerning, with only 39.3% from the field and 31.0% from beyond the arc this season.
- Bridges missed three dunks in the game against the Orlando Magic.
- Defensive errors have left his assignments open for rebounds and easy shots.
Exploring Solutions
The Hornets are at a crossroads regarding Bridges. Trading the 27-year-old player could yield minimal returns at this time, as his value is low, likely not warranting a first-round pick. Therefore, it may be prudent for the front office to hold onto Bridges for now in hopes of increasing his value as the season progresses.
Demoting him from the starting lineup could weaken team morale, given his respected role within the locker room. Instead, the coaching staff might consider starting Bridges while also monitoring his performance closely. If his play negatively impacts the team, allowing him limited minutes might be the best course of action.
Future Lineup Considerations
As the Hornets seek consistency, experimenting with different lineups could be beneficial. They might look into combinations featuring Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate as twin towers, or utilizing smaller forwards like Liam McNeeley or Sion James.
Ultimately, the Hornets must resolve the Miles Bridges issue with a strategic approach, balancing team chemistry while seeking his improvement throughout the season.
