It gained’t take a lot adjusting for Mikal Bridges to get used to his new function with the Knicks.
It will likely be much like the one he had at Villanova, with the Suns and even just lately Workforce USA basketball.
If something, being a go-to man with the Nets was extra out of the extraordinary for the proficient two-way wing.
“I feel it’s not going to be that onerous actually,” Bridges mentioned this week, as he was launched as the most recent Knick. “I feel it’s simply figuring out the model we play right here, and taking part in the best manner is who I’m. It’s like a pure factor. It’s sort of like going to [Team] USA, sort of the identical factor the place clearly, going to USA final 12 months, the function’s going to alter.”
The 6-foot-6 Bridges has excelled as a secondary offensive choice from his time at Villanova till now, as somebody who can rating large when known as upon, however wasn’t leaned on to be that man each evening.
On a Knicks staff with Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, he gained’t be requested to try this.
Bridges might be considered one of a number of high quality gamers for the contending Knicks.
“Simply being prepared,” he mentioned, concerning his method along with his new staff. “I adapt fairly quick. Hear, I simply need to win. I do know the issues I’ve acquired to do to assist us win and I’m excited.”
Part of that pleasure is reuniting along with his former Villanova teammates, Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo.
Bridges watched them excel collectively from a distance and attain Sport 7 of the Jap Convention semifinals.
Now, he’s a part of Knicksanova, as Publish columnist Mike Vaccaro has dubbed them.
Bridges was on each nationwide championship groups with the Wildcats, in 2016 and 2018, and is hoping to win a title within the NBA with them now, too.
He sounded most excited to play with Brunson once more.
When Brunson signed a four-year, $104 million with the Knicks two summers in the past, some thought of it an overpay.
The transfer was closely criticized.
Bridges knew higher, tweeting on the time: “Ya’ll should not know the way chilly JB actually is lol.”
That appears sensible now, as Brunson has developed into one of many high lead guards within the league.
“JB’s simply who he’s. … I understand how a lot he works. I understand how loopy his father is,” Bridges mentioned, referring to Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson. “I do know what he’s able to. In order that was sort of easy for me. However yeah, actually, simply JB on the whole, Villanova years, taking part in in faculty, it’s sort of like second nature taking part in basketball with him.
“He performs the best manner. I understand how to play off of him. Excited to play with him and everyone on this staff.”
Bridges’ arrival and Anunoby re-signing has given Knicks followers hope that the roster is now in place to be a authentic title contender.
Bridges figures to mesh nicely right here, not solely due to how nicely he is aware of Brunson, Hart and DiVincenzo, however as a result of he offers a talent set as a tenacious defender and robust offensive participant that enhances the roster.
Plus, he’s an iron man, with a streak of 474 video games performed since he was drafted tenth general by the Suns in 2010, which ought to endear Bridges to his new coach, Tom Thibodeau.
“Trying on the staff final 12 months, I feel I slot in very well,” Bridges mentioned. “Simply, clearly, you’ve acquired two All-NBA guys, JB and Julius. How I play basketball, only a good model of basketball. Know how one can make profitable performs, play the best manner. So I feel I slot in fairly nicely.”
