Mikal Bridges is really good (when he's allowed to be)

[Jalen Bluntson]

47-27
3 seed
Top 5 in the league after less than one season together. I think your definition of suck is a bit too harsh. I hope you're enjoying some of these games at least brother.

We don't suck in the sense that the Wizards suck. We suck in the sense of its a fake season that won't move us any closer to the 1st pick, or a title. Everything screams mid-treadmill, feasting on bad teams and the few wins we have against elite teams usually feature them not playing their starters.

When you watch us play elite teams it's clear we're just a random team between 5th and play-in.

0-3 vs. Boston
0-2 vs. Cavs (and surely we play them late, their seed will be locked, they'll rest everyone, we'll win, and sidewalk clowns will bing bong the win)
0-6 vs. L.A. and OKC

we played Denver well I guess? I only watched the home game. We play other go nowhere mid teams in the East well the Bucks, with both rosters injured most games. The Bucks are a cooked team that should blow it up (should have at the draft last year). We play the Pacers well also ... yay.

But it's a rare year where 76ers, Miami, and the Raptors are all tanking hard. We will likely X-0 the East tanks, Raptors, Nets, Miami, 76ers, Bullets.



This is how losers like Thibs keep their jobs and win Coach of the Year. Harvesting the bile from the gullet of the NBA.

As this relates to Mikal Bridges, well it's a shining example of being mid-suck. We deify a good starter and trade 5 firsts and a swap for him when no other team was so desperate for mediocrity. He isn't really good. He's a good starter. Not All-Nba good, but not a weak spot in your starting lineup. He's Andrew Wiggins. On a great day he's Derrick White -- the C's traded ... ONE 1st for White. He's KCP on the 22-23 Nuggets, almost literally. Imagine trading 5+1 firsts for KCP?

You clearly have no patience. That's your problem. You clearly can't remember what it was like the last time the Knicks actually built a contender from scratch as well. Things don't happen over night. It has been 5 months. It takes a little longer than that.

[HopelessKnick]

Bridges is averaging 22points/5assists on 53%/37%/92% since Brunson got injured. He has now produced at the type of level we were hoping/expecting with the trade. But realistically we can't have KAT/JB averaging 25+ points and Bridges and OG get 22points per game....this will be virtually impossible...and unfortunately it seems that they need those touches to stay in a rhythm.

[Jalen Bluntson]

Bridges is averaging 22points/5assists on 53%/37%/92% since Brunson got injured. He has now produced at the type of level we were hoping/expecting with the trade. But realistically we can't have KAT/JB averaging 25+ points and Bridges and OG get 22points per game....this will be virtually impossible...and unfortunately it seems that they need those touches to stay in a rhythm.

The averages don't matter as. much as having the ability to switch up what we are doing if it isn't working. If our ISO Brunson isn't working, go to the other guys and play Brunson off ball like we have been with Wright/Kolek. Hart/Mikal were taking the ball more. OG was getting his touches in that flow. You can't keep throwing the same thing at teams in the playoffs and not expect them to adjust and shut it down if they have the personnel. Imagine Brunson being the other guy playing off ball instead of Kolek/Wright. KAT is another hub we could use with his passing and scoring ability. There are options.

[HopelessKnick]

Bridges is averaging 22points/5assists on 53%/37%/92% since Brunson got injured. He has now produced at the type of level we were hoping/expecting with the trade. But realistically we can't have KAT/JB averaging 25+ points and Bridges and OG get 22points per game....this will be virtually impossible...and unfortunately it seems that they need those touches to stay in a rhythm.

The averages don't matter as. much as having the ability to switch up what we are doing if it isn't working. If our ISO Brunson isn't working, go to the other guys and play Brunson off ball like we have been with Wright/Kolek. Hart/Mikal were taking the ball more. OG was getting his touches in that flow. You can't keep throwing the same thing at teams in the playoffs and not expect them to adjust and shut it down if they have the personnel. Imagine Brunson being the other guy playing off ball instead of Kolek/Wright. KAT is another hub we could use with his passing and scoring ability. There are options.

All points are technically correct but I just think that in the overall picture with the amount of possessions a team has and everything, it will be impossible to have Bridges/OG produce at a level where we'd keep them at high value. JB and KAT are strictly offensive players shooting super efficiently so we should maximize their opportunities on offense. Then at most 1 of the other 2 can get in the flow of things. Basketball is 90% about rhythm and confidence....I just don't think Bridges and OG have that sort of ability where you can turn them on/off on offense. Their rhythm is very essential but with JB/KAT their opportunities will always be somewhat limited IMO.

[Chanel Bomber]

Bridges is averaging 22points/5assists on 53%/37%/92% since Brunson got injured. He has now produced at the type of level we were hoping/expecting with the trade. But realistically we can't have KAT/JB averaging 25+ points and Bridges and OG get 22points per game....this will be virtually impossible...and unfortunately it seems that they need those touches to stay in a rhythm.

This is why we need to be able to rely on them to provide elite defense.

There's only one basketball and a finite amount of possessions so they will need to sacrifice on offense with KAT and Brunson starting, regardless of whether or not they can get in a flow.

The defensive impact, however, doesn't require sharing the basketball. If we consistently got elite defense from our wings, we'd be a contender. Hopefully they can step up in the playoffs.

[prophet_of_rage]

Bridges is averaging 22points/5assists on 53%/37%/92% since Brunson got injured. He has now produced at the type of level we were hoping/expecting with the trade. But realistically we can't have KAT/JB averaging 25+ points and Bridges and OG get 22points per game....this will be virtually impossible...and unfortunately it seems that they need those touches to stay in a rhythm.

The averages don't matter as. much as having the ability to switch up what we are doing if it isn't working. If our ISO Brunson isn't working, go to the other guys and play Brunson off ball like we have been with Wright/Kolek. Hart/Mikal were taking the ball more. OG was getting his touches in that flow. You can't keep throwing the same thing at teams in the playoffs and not expect them to adjust and shut it down if they have the personnel. Imagine Brunson being the other guy playing off ball instead of Kolek/Wright. KAT is another hub we could use with his passing and scoring ability. There are options.

All points are technically correct but I just think that in the overall picture with the amount of possessions a team has and everything, it will be impossible to have Bridges/OG produce at a level where we'd keep them at high value. JB and KAT are strictly offensive players shooting super efficiently so we should maximize their opportunities on offense. Then at most 1 of the other 2 can get in the flow of things. Basketball is 90% about rhythm and confidence....I just don't think Bridges and OG have that sort of ability where you can turn them on/off on offense. Their rhythm is very essential but with JB/KAT their opportunities will always be somewhat limited IMO.

It is also difficult to simply switch styles. Iso Brunson needs to be an end of quarter thing. Players like Bridges and OG need their touches early not late. Let's hope Thibs and Brunspn make that adjustment.

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[JayTWill]

Bridges is averaging 22points/5assists on 53%/37%/92% since Brunson got injured. He has now produced at the type of level we were hoping/expecting with the trade. But realistically we can't have KAT/JB averaging 25+ points and Bridges and OG get 22points per game....this will be virtually impossible...and unfortunately it seems that they need those touches to stay in a rhythm.

This is why we need to be able to rely on them to provide elite defense.

There's only one basketball and a finite amount of possessions so they will need to sacrifice on offense with KAT and Brunson starting, regardless of whether or not they can get in a flow.

The defensive impact, however, doesn't require sharing the basketball. If we consistently got elite defense from our wings, we'd be a contender. Hopefully they can step up in the playoffs.

I agree that they need to be better defensively and they have shown flashes of elite defense but is it possible for any version of Mikal and OG to be consistently elite on the defensive end logging heavy minutes while trying to cover for Brunson, being backed by KAT and playing alongside Hart doing whatever it is that he does in Thibs system?

[robillionaire]

Re: Mikal, I don’t think he needs to keep trying to score 22ppg when Brunson comes back. But what we want to see is efficiency, but also aggressiveness in those moments when nobody else seems to have it he should recognize he needs to step up. And as Chanel said lock in on defense. He’s at least proven to be a really solid player at this point. He’ll never get over the 5 picks thing but we can’t undo that so if he can just be a good player and keep some value and help us win I’ll take it

I think at this point we all understand there’s a difference between regular season basketball and the intensity of playoff basketball and personally I think the regular season losses to those top teams is blown a bit out of proportion, we do know a lot of these guys on our team are experienced and proven not to shrink in the playoffs as they’ve been a part of some nice runs so why not give our 3 seed a chance to cook and see what happens? Obviously Boston is the defending champ and the real deal so it will be hard for any team to knock them out like we may be tasked with in round 2 but damn just give them a chance to fight and be decent fans for once and just support the team

[prophet_of_rage]

I think the answer is simple in terms of offence. Brunson has to play faste:vvr when he gets back. The team plays bettwr when they play fast. Brunson prefers ro play slow.

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[Jalen Bluntson]

The averages don't matter as. much as having the ability to switch up what we are doing if it isn't working. If our ISO Brunson isn't working, go to the other guys and play Brunson off ball like we have been with Wright/Kolek. Hart/Mikal were taking the ball more. OG was getting his touches in that flow. You can't keep throwing the same thing at teams in the playoffs and not expect them to adjust and shut it down if they have the personnel. Imagine Brunson being the other guy playing off ball instead of Kolek/Wright. KAT is another hub we could use with his passing and scoring ability. There are options.

All points are technically correct but I just think that in the overall picture with the amount of possessions a team has and everything, it will be impossible to have Bridges/OG produce at a level where we'd keep them at high value. JB and KAT are strictly offensive players shooting super efficiently so we should maximize their opportunities on offense. Then at most 1 of the other 2 can get in the flow of things. Basketball is 90% about rhythm and confidence....I just don't think Bridges and OG have that sort of ability where you can turn them on/off on offense. Their rhythm is very essential but with JB/KAT their opportunities will always be somewhat limited IMO.

It is also difficult to simply switch styles. Iso Brunson needs to be an end of quarter thing. Players like Bridges and OG need their touches early not late. Let's hope Thibs and Brunspn make that adjustment.

Sent from my SM-S9080 using RealGM mobile app

When your "style" is easily shut down by putting a taller wing on Brunson, a center on Hart and a guard wing on KAT then you need options. Simply taking the ball out of Brunson's hands and letting Mikal go to work is not some difficult switch. We just did it for a bunch of games in a row without Brunson and with success. Imagine Brunson being off ball like Kolek/Wright are currently. The defense would have to cover him more than they do the other two non offensive threats. Opening things up even more. It's called making an adjustment. No one is asking to revamp the offense in this scenario. Just add another wrinkle. We have the personnel as we are watching in real time. Mikal and OG prospered in that role.

We need to have some versatility in the playoffs. We aren't gonna shoot 45-50% from 3 vs better defenses and we can't keep spamming ISO Brunson as we have seen in all of the games against the top teams. They are all on to it.

[thebuzzardman]

I think the answer is simple in terms of offence. Brunson has to play faste:vvr when he gets back. The team plays bettwr when they play fast. Thibs prefers ro play slow.

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Fixed for accuracy

[Chanel Bomber]

Bridges is averaging 22points/5assists on 53%/37%/92% since Brunson got injured. He has now produced at the type of level we were hoping/expecting with the trade. But realistically we can't have KAT/JB averaging 25+ points and Bridges and OG get 22points per game....this will be virtually impossible...and unfortunately it seems that they need those touches to stay in a rhythm.

This is why we need to be able to rely on them to provide elite defense.

There's only one basketball and a finite amount of possessions so they will need to sacrifice on offense with KAT and Brunson starting, regardless of whether or not they can get in a flow.

The defensive impact, however, doesn't require sharing the basketball. If we consistently got elite defense from our wings, we'd be a contender. Hopefully they can step up in the playoffs.

I agree that they need to be better defensively and they have shown flashes of elite defense but is it possible for any version of Mikal and OG to be consistently elite on the defensive end logging heavy minutes while trying to cover for Brunson, being backed by KAT and playing alongside Hart doing whatever it is that he does in Thibs system?

Fair points, but I'd make the argument the reduced role on offense should in theory help preserve some of their energy for increased activity on the defensive end. Mind you, as hard as it may be to believe, I haven't played at the NBA level so I may be off base here, though I don't think my view's entirely unreasonable either.

[HopelessKnick]

This is why we need to be able to rely on them to provide elite defense.

There's only one basketball and a finite amount of possessions so they will need to sacrifice on offense with KAT and Brunson starting, regardless of whether or not they can get in a flow.

The defensive impact, however, doesn't require sharing the basketball. If we consistently got elite defense from our wings, we'd be a contender. Hopefully they can step up in the playoffs.

I agree that they need to be better defensively and they have shown flashes of elite defense but is it possible for any version of Mikal and OG to be consistently elite on the defensive end logging heavy minutes while trying to cover for Brunson, being backed by KAT and playing alongside Hart doing whatever it is that he does in Thibs system?

Fair points, but I'd make the argument the reduced role on offense should in theory help preserve some of their energy for increased activity on the defensive end. Mind you, as hard as it may be to believe, I haven't played at the NBA level so I may be off base here, though I don't think my view's entirely unreasonable either.

I think it depends really on the player. OG for example is said to have wanted a bigger role on offense since his Toronto days....telling him just to defend and shoot a couple open 3 pointers here and there may actually not motivate him to play lockdown defense. Same to some degree with Bridges. I think both of them have too much ambition and offensive skill to be treated like say a DFS. That's why I'm somewhat sceptical of it working out. I understand the logical argument behind having 4 potential scorers and their variability on offense but in reality 1-2 will be taking a backseat. Especially since the other two (JB/KAT) are strictly offensive players that must score to be effective. Scaling down their touches etc. is ultimately not going to help the team much because than you have offensive players that get hammered on the defensive end playing off ball or being more passive.

I think ultimately this realization will set in during the next season and you'll see KAT or Bridges or OG being traded.

[Guano]

Kentavious Caldwell-Bridges....


Needles consistency of hating is unparalleled.

[prophet_of_rage]

All points are technically correct but I just think that in the overall picture with the amount of possessions a team has and everything, it will be impossible to have Bridges/OG produce at a level where we'd keep them at high value. JB and KAT are strictly offensive players shooting super efficiently so we should maximize their opportunities on offense. Then at most 1 of the other 2 can get in the flow of things. Basketball is 90% about rhythm and confidence....I just don't think Bridges and OG have that sort of ability where you can turn them on/off on offense. Their rhythm is very essential but with JB/KAT their opportunities will always be somewhat limited IMO.

It is also difficult to simply switch styles. Iso Brunson needs to be an end of quarter thing. Players like Bridges and OG need their touches early not late. Let's hope Thibs and Brunspn make that adjustment.

Sent from my SM-S9080 using RealGM mobile app

When your "style" is easily shut down by putting a taller wing on Brunson, a center on Hart and a guard wing on KAT then you need options. Simply taking the ball out of Brunson's hands and letting Mikal go to work is not some difficult switch. We just did it for a bunch of games in a row without Brunson and with success. Imagine Brunson being off ball like Kolek/Wright are currently. The defense would have to cover him more than they do the other two non offensive threats. Opening things up even more. It's called making an adjustment. No one is asking to revamp the offense in this scenario. Just add another wrinkle. We have the personnel as we are watching in real time. Mikal and OG prospered in that role.

We need to have some versatility in the playoffs. We aren't gonna shoot 45-50% from 3 vs better defenses and we can't keep spamming ISO Brunson as we have seen in all of the games against the top teams. They are all on to it.

I agree with that but switching from iso style to freelance or freelance to iso takes people out of their rhythm. The team.needs to play fast.

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[god shammgod]

Kentavious Caldwell-Bridges....


Needles consistency of hating is unparalleled.

And yet he makes the most sense to me lol

[Guano]

Kentavious Caldwell-Bridges....


Needles consistency of hating is unparalleled.

And yet he makes the most sense to me lol

And it pisses me off - He is the only poster I've honestly considered blocking(ruining my delusions of hope). Unwavering called us a 2nd round exit treadmill team and we'll here we are... mf doesn't miss.

[JayTWill]

This is why we need to be able to rely on them to provide elite defense.

There's only one basketball and a finite amount of possessions so they will need to sacrifice on offense with KAT and Brunson starting, regardless of whether or not they can get in a flow.

The defensive impact, however, doesn't require sharing the basketball. If we consistently got elite defense from our wings, we'd be a contender. Hopefully they can step up in the playoffs.

I agree that they need to be better defensively and they have shown flashes of elite defense but is it possible for any version of Mikal and OG to be consistently elite on the defensive end logging heavy minutes while trying to cover for Brunson, being backed by KAT and playing alongside Hart doing whatever it is that he does in Thibs system?

Fair points, but I'd make the argument the reduced role on offense should in theory help preserve some of their energy for increased activity on the defensive end. Mind you, as hard as it may be to believe, I haven't played at the NBA level so I may be off base here, though I don't think my view's entirely unreasonable either.

True but the same argument could be made for reducing Brunson's role in the offense so that he could contribute more on the defensive end. We kind of give Brunson a pass on the defensive end because of his physical limitations but both OG and Mikal have played with small physically limited guards that are much better than Brunson defensively.

I'm not even sure how much of a reduced role OG and Mikal have overall with Brunson on the court in comparison to when they have been considered consistent elite defenders. Mikal at his peak defensively was younger, playing less minutes, taking less shots, having to create less for himself and others while carrying less of the defensive responsibilities even without an OG next to him.

I also have never played at an NBA level but thank you for your response.

[NoDopeOnSundays]

This is why we need to be able to rely on them to provide elite defense.

There's only one basketball and a finite amount of possessions so they will need to sacrifice on offense with KAT and Brunson starting, regardless of whether or not they can get in a flow.

The defensive impact, however, doesn't require sharing the basketball. If we consistently got elite defense from our wings, we'd be a contender. Hopefully they can step up in the playoffs.

I agree that they need to be better defensively and they have shown flashes of elite defense but is it possible for any version of Mikal and OG to be consistently elite on the defensive end logging heavy minutes while trying to cover for Brunson, being backed by KAT and playing alongside Hart doing whatever it is that he does in Thibs system?

Fair points, but I'd make the argument the reduced role on offense should in theory help preserve some of their energy for increased activity on the defensive end. Mind you, as hard as it may be to believe, I haven't played at the NBA level so I may be off base here, though I don't think my view's entirely unreasonable either.

My sense of reality is crushed.

[Chanel Bomber]

I agree that they need to be better defensively and they have shown flashes of elite defense but is it possible for any version of Mikal and OG to be consistently elite on the defensive end logging heavy minutes while trying to cover for Brunson, being backed by KAT and playing alongside Hart doing whatever it is that he does in Thibs system?

Fair points, but I'd make the argument the reduced role on offense should in theory help preserve some of their energy for increased activity on the defensive end. Mind you, as hard as it may be to believe, I haven't played at the NBA level so I may be off base here, though I don't think my view's entirely unreasonable either.

My sense of reality is crushed.

I'm very sorry

- Chanel