Mikal Bridges is the standard that Mike Brown begs the rest of his Knicks roster to emulate.
The Knicks coach raved about Bridges’ next-play speed after the team’s 113-108 win over the Hornets Friday night at Madison Square Garden in the preseason finale. That “next play speed” represents his “incredible” ability to immediately switch to defense after an offensive possession ends or goes awry.
“If there’s a turnover or an offensive rebound, he doesn’t hesitate [or] takes an extra step in the opposite direction of the ball,” Brown said. “Immediately his change of direction and transition from offense to defense is amazing. Probably one of the best I’ve experienced. Him getting some blocks like he did is just a testament to what he can do defensively.
“I hope everyone pays attention to the little things that don’t always show up in the stats. He’s a first-team defender. That’s clear. There’s no doubt in my mind about what he does on the floor. It’s a lot of the little things he does that I hope don’t go unnoticed.”
It’s been a focal point throughout training camp and preseason. Brown is transforming the Knicks offense into one that is much faster and freer, one that wants to constantly push the pace and prioritize ball movement over isolation.
Of course, that will likely lead to an increase in revenue, especially if the Knicks adapt. Being able to quickly switch to defense will be of utmost importance.
Besides Bridges, Brown was not satisfied with his team in that regard on Friday. He watched his players sulk and put their heads down after turnovers and missed shots, leading to easy three-pointers or foul shots for the Hornets at the other end.
“We’re emphasizing it more,” Bridges said. “He made sure I got the [last] play and go back, and get the whole team involved in that. That’s how it should be. He encourages it every day and pressures us to do it every time.
“He maps it out and comes at us if we don’t do it. By listening to him, he pushes us to the next level.”
Bridges is the model, but Brown has also looked to other sports to get his message across. An example came from the NFL, when then-Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf chased down Cardinals safety Budda Baker after an interception during a game in 2021. Baker had picked off Russell Wilson’s pass near his own end zone and appeared to have a clear path in front of him for a pick-6. But without hesitation, Metcalf began sprinting down the field after Baker and eventually caught him to prevent a touchdown.
When most receivers would have taken their foot off the gas, Metcalf only accelerated. The same should be true for the Knicks in defensive transitions.
“You always admire things like that,” Bridges said. “You have a lot of guys who want to do it. He emphasizes it, we need it.”
It’s not just Bridges’ next-play speed that has stood out this preseason. Brown’s offensive system should highlight Bridges’ strengths and bring out the best in him. With Jalen Brunson playing less isolated and more off the ball, the Knicks’ peripheral scorers should become more involved. Instead of being relegated to a largely catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter in the corners, Bridges should have more options as a ballhandler to attack the rim and get to the mid-range in transition and with the defense off balance.
In four preseason games, Bridges played 23.1 minutes per game and averaged 12.8 points on 50 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. Expanded to a full workload, these numbers would certainly be optimal.
After an incredibly up-and-down first season with the Knicks, they’re betting Bridges can reach one more level, earning him a four-year extension worth $150 million. So far, the initial returns are promising.
“I feel more at home,” Bridges said. “Everyone who’s here, who’s in this arena, who’s around you, it feels like home. It’s good.”
#Mikal #Bridges #model #Mike #Browns #Knicks #transformation