...
By Matt Levine
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Charlotte Hornets will enter the new NBA season ready to prove that they can get themselves into the postseason. After a summer of change, Charlotte is eager to push itself forward in the Eastern Conference.
New head coach Charles Lee comes over from the Boston Celtics and he will be tasked with getting this group ready. They are still led by star point guard LaMelo Ball but the Hornets do have some other pieces that they can build around.
One of which is forward Miles Bridges, who has been one of the more intriguing players in the NBA as of late. He has seen some off-the-court issues that have damaged his reputation but Bridges has continued to play his game.
Read More on NBA
Bridges opted to remain with the Hornets this summer when he was a free agent. He signed a three-year, $75 million contract to remain in Charlotte to help them continue to grow.
But Bridges almost left the Hornets this summer. He revealed that two different contenders in the NBA were trying to land him this offseason.
The Los Angeles Clippers were well known for their interest in Bridges but the two sides couldn't come to terms on a deal. However, Bridges also said that the Cleveland Cavaliers showed interest in him before he decided to remain with the Hornets.
"Yeah, the Clippers are a great organization," Bridges said. "They wanted me, the (Cleveland) Cavaliers wanted me. But at the same time, I was trying to see what was the best fit for me and what would make me and my family happy."
Bridges averaged 21.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game last season. He appeared in 69 games for Charlottle and also shot 34.9 percent from beyond the 3-point line.
...
The former Michigan State Spartan decided to choose comfort over a change of scenery and he is happy with his decision. He said that with the new coaching staff in place, the sky can be the limit for the Hornets.
"I just feel like this is a new start," Bridges told The Observer on Wednesday in his first extended interview since re-signing in July. "With coach (Charles) Lee and the new coaching staff coming in, new management, I just feel like we are stepping in the right direction. And I just feel like I wanted to be a big part of that."
Charlotte could compete for a playoff spot but it won't be easy. The East is much better entering the season but the Hornets believe that they will have a say in how the conference eventually shakes out.
For more NBA news, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines