From Reluctant Draft Pick to NBA Champion: Mikal Bridges' Unlikely Journey
The Unexpected Path to Stardom: A Career Forged Through Adversity
Initial Disappointment: A Draft Night Revelation
During the 2018 NBA Draft, Mikal Bridges candidly expressed his profound unhappiness about being chosen by the Phoenix Suns. He recounted that his discontent was so pronounced, it was evident in his post-draft photographs, where he struggled to produce even a forced smile, indicating deep frustration with the direction his career seemed to be taking. His immediate reaction was to retreat home and go straight to bed, rather than celebrating, questioning what there was to be joyous about given his strong feelings of dismay.
Developing into a Two-Way Talent with the Suns
Despite his initial reluctance, Bridges spent his first four-and-a-half NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns, where he underwent a significant transformation. He developed from a rotational player into one of the league's most dependable two-way athletes. His consistency was remarkable, playing all 82 games in his rookie year (2018-19) and repeating this feat in the 2021-22 and 2023-24 seasons, showcasing his incredible durability.
Rising Production and Defensive Recognition in Phoenix
Bridges' performance steadily improved during his tenure with the Suns. His scoring average increased from 8.3 points in his rookie season to 13.5 points in 2020-21, where he also achieved impressive shooting percentages of 54.3% from the field and 42.5% from beyond the arc. The 2021-22 season marked a career high in scoring for him, with 14.2 points per game, and he earned significant recognition by finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting and securing a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team, averaging 34.8 minutes per night across all 82 games.
Transition to Brooklyn and a New Offensive Role
In February 2023, Bridges was part of a major trade, moving to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the Kevin Durant deal. This transition offered him an expanded offensive role, leading to a substantial increase in his scoring. He averaged an impressive 26.1 points in 27 games for the Nets following the trade, a significant jump from his 17.2-point average in 56 games with the Suns earlier that season.
Achieving Championship Glory with the Knicks
Bridges' journey continued with another trade, this time to the New York Knicks, where he maintained his status as one of the NBA's most consistent performers. He continued his remarkable streak of playing all 82 games in both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, contributing 17.6 and 14.4 points per game, respectively. His efforts played a crucial role in the Knicks' successful 2025-26 regular season, where they finished third in the Eastern Conference with a 53-29 record. The pinnacle of his career came when the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the NBA Finals, securing the franchise's first championship since 1973.
A Legacy of Durability and Success
Throughout his eight seasons in the NBA, Mikal Bridges has played in 638 out of a possible 656 regular-season games, making 571 starts. His career averages stand at 14.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, with shooting percentages of 48.5% from the field and 37.1% from three-point range. What began as a moment of deep disappointment at the 2018 draft ultimately laid the groundwork for a highly successful career, featuring a Defensive Player of the Year runner-up finish, an exceptional record of consecutive appearances, and an NBA championship, cementing his legacy as a true professional.