With multiple players injured for extended periods this season and the Nets declining offers of multiple first-round picks for him, the pressure has been on Mikal Bridges to be a star for Brooklyn, The New York Post’s Brian Lewis writes. Bridges is slumping as of late, averaging 15.6 points on 37.6% shooting in his past 10 games, and Lewis writes that it’s a result of not just being exhausted, but from getting a lack of offensive help elsewhere.
“You know it hurts when you don’t have [Cam Thomas] or [Cameron Johnson] where they’re double-teaming [him], and you expect him to be Superman. But he’s just not Superman,” interim head coach Kevin Ollie said. “All the game plan is to [stop] him, to take him out of the game. And in this opportunity, he can learn through this. Even through struggle, you have an opportunity to find a lesson in it, and I think he’ll find a lesson in it. When he gets in this situation again, he’ll be better equipped.”
Bridges is still having a career year, averaging bests in points, rebounds and assists. However, he hasn’t yet regained his post-2023 deadline self, when he averaged 26.1 points per game after being moved to Brooklyn. The recent slump isn’t helping, but the forward, who hasn’t missed a game since entering the NBA, insists it isn’t because he needs a break.
“No, it’s just between missing shots and schemes on other teams. It’s just a mix of that,” Bridges said. “It’s not too many times where I come off and it’s easy looks now. And it’s just part of growth, and some are just gonna make me better [and] make the team better when it’s all said and done. But just get through that hump. But no, it’s just between making and missing shots.”
We have more from the Nets:
- Ben Simmons being shut down for the season leaves his future with the organization in question, Lewis writes in a separate story. Simmons has played just 57 of a possible 192 regular season games for the Nets and his $40.3MM salary next season makes it hard to move the former All-Defensive Team member in a trade. Lewis speculates the Nets could consider a buyout. Ollie didn’t say whether Simmons would require another surgery, but Brooklyn has to determine whether he’s a sunk cost, Lewis writes. “I hope his mental is fine,” Bridges said. “I just know getting hurt isn’t fun at all. It gets with you mentally, so hope he’s just all right and just hope [for a] speedy recovery.“
- Simmons’ career with the Nets may have been over before it started, The New York Post’s Dan Martin writes in a member-only article. Simmons was already showing a knack for unavailability before the Nets acquired him for James Harden. However, it’s worth noting Harden could’ve left for nothing in the offseason in 2022 if Brooklyn didn’t make the move, and taking a shot on a former top defender – who was 25 years old at the time – was a reasonable gamble.
- Lonnie Walker has been a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season for Brooklyn, Lewis writes (subscriber link). Walker is averaging 11.4 points while making 42.5% of his 5.1 three-point attempts per game after signing with Brooklyn on a one-year, minimum salary deal. He’ll be eligible for unrestricted free agency this offseason.
- Day’Ron Sharpe (right wrist contusion) and Cam Thomas (right ankle/midfoot sprain) are both available for the Nets in Saturday’s matchup against the Hornets, according to SNY’s Ian Begley (Twitter link). Sharpe missed the past two games with his injury, while Thomas hasn’t played since Feb. 26. Sharpe is averaging 7.3 points and 6.7 rebounds while Thomas is scoring 20.9 points per game for Brooklyn this season.
If we want to be kind… let’s say Ben Simmons will always has and always will lack the maturity and mental capabilities to justify his current salary. I’m not talking hindsight… it was always better to bite the bullet on harden ( assuming that was the only choice) then to tie your wagon to Simmons.
it was not a reasonable gamble. Simmons was acting like such a Prima Donna in Philly, refused to work on his shooting in the offseason with anyone else other than his brother. Terrible trade. Simmons will be playing for league minimum – if he plays again at all.
Contract year Simmons will play and get another contract but hopefully he will honor it. We shall see!
Besides Ben Simmons, the problem for Brooklyn is Mikal Bridges isn’t a number 1 option on offence.
Yes he’s a really good player, their best player, their leader, whatever else you want to say but he’s not that guy on offence. What the Nets need is someone who can be a number 1 option and give them 25-30 points per game. That puts less pressure on Bridges to provide that and he can operate as the second option which allows him to be a better leader and defender.
I know it might sound absolutely crazy but I’d really try make a Ben Simmons for Zach LaVine trade. Zachs tied to a massive contract with multiple years and the team has played better when he’s not on the court. Maybe a package of Ben with Cam Thomas and a protected first is all it takes and they view it as a massive salary dump as Ben would be on an expiring deal.
Zach isn’t perfect and the contract he’s on isn’t great but atleast he will a good contributor unlike Ben. He’s someone that can be their go to scoring option and would make them a better team.
Me personally, I’d also go a step further and try my luck trading Cam Johnson for DeJounte Murray. Between Murray LaVine and Bridges you’d have 3 near all star level players which would have you back in the playoffs again. Murray would be the perfect 2nd/3rd option, who’s also a good defender. Cam is a really nice player but I just don’t think he works as a PF in this soft line up around Bridges and LaVine. Replacing him at PF would be DFS whos a good defender and still a capable shooter and Claxton at the 5. Schroder plays that sixth man role but then after that you seriously need to build out a better bench
If I’m Chicago I’d definitely take this too.
They just need a rebuild and this clears them of their biggest ugliest contract. On top of that you get a young replacement SG in Cam Thomas and a first round pick.
I’d then flip Lonzo Ball for Bertans and Nick Richards. Sell Charlotte on he face both Bertans and Lonzo are expiring deals so at worst your just flipping expiring deals but if it works out and Lonzo can return them he’d be a great backcourt partner with his brother LaMelo.
Meanwhile you steal away a cheap young back up centre in Richards.
I’d cash in on Alex Caruso and just seek a first round pick with a young player ideally or a good role player. For example I could see Milwaukee giving you a first and Portis.
I’d probably just stay with Vuce unless a really good deal came in. I think you unfortunately have to pay to keep Patrick Williams, although he hasn’t shown much. Give him a 3 year 50 mil deal roughly.
Again might sound crazy but I’d try trade up using the bucks pick and your own pick to get in or around the top 5. This years draft is weak so teams may be willing to take the bulls 12th and Bucks 24th for say the 5th pick. If you could grab Ron Holland I think that would be awesome. Think he’s exactly what you need a super athletic and strong SF that’s constantly looking to attack defences.
1. Coby White. Ben Simmons
2. Cam Thomas. Ayo Dosunmu
3. Ron Holland. Jalen Phillips. Terry
4. Patrick Williams. Bobby Portis. Bertans
5. Nikola Vucevic. Nick Richards
Might not look like much but after next season you’d have Simmons (40mil) and Bertans (17mil) also cleared from your books. You’d be seen as a young team on the rise rather than arguably the worst team still trying to compete.
Bertans contract is not getting guaranteed whatsoever , why not just make the trade easier and trade into cap room
Thought it was fully guaranteed, my bad
Yes, it is crazy. It doesn’t just sound crazy. It is crazy. Who is going to take Lonzo Bell when there’s no guarantee he’ll ever play again? Why the hell would the Bulls want Ben Simmons? This is par for the course with you though, you consistently come up with the most one-sided nonsensical trade proposals on this site.
As I explained with Lonzo.
Both Bertans and Lonzo would be on an expiring deals and if you’re planning on sitting Bertans cause he’s not in your plans (like most teams tend to do) you may aswell grab Lonzo.
If worst comes to worst and he never plays then no harm no foul. But if he is able to return then fantastic, you’ve just got your backcourt partner to pair with LaMelo for next to nothing.
It’s like a game of chance, if it works out great you’ve got an absolute bargain. A solid starter for an end of the bench guy, and if it doesn’t work out then you’ve traded a guy who wasn’t going to play anyway for a guy that can’t play. All it’s cost you was Nick Richards a back up centre.
As for the Simmons thing again if you read what I wrote maybe you’d understand.
Zach LaVine from next year on is still owed 140mil over the next 3 seasons. Arguably the worst deal in the league. He’s 28 coming off one of his worst seasons of recent, after yet another injury and the team has played better without him. Apparently before the deadline when they tried shopping him, his market was so bad they thought they’d need to add a first to get rid of him.
So as I’ve said, Ben Simmons would give them a get out of jail free card as he matches LaVines salary but is only owed 1 more season and thus would save the Bulls 100mil. Yes he’s never fit, not the same player or even close and Zachs far superior but it’s about cutting your cost and taking on the rebuild. Your getting out of that money and on top of that getting a replacement in Cam Thomas and a first round pick.
Cam is only 22 and averages 20 points per game, he’s someone you could pair with Coby White and start your rebuild with. Plus on top of that you’re getting a first round pick.
Sure next season you might not be as good but it’s about the future and you’d be a lot better for it in the long run.
I don’t see how it’s nonsensical or one sided. I might be more in Brooklyn’s favour, ofcourse but the options on the table for Chicago aren’t exactly great. You just stood back and did nothing with DeRozan. Your likely stuck having to pay Pat Will close to 20mil or let him walk for nothing too. The kings turned them down doing Hueter and Barnes for LaVine. I’d not like the balls in the Bulls court. Sometimes you just need to bite the bullet.
What you didn’t explain is why anyone is guaranteeing Bertans contract to begin with when they don’t have too
You can write 7 more paragraphs but until that’s explained nobody’s going to understand
I didn’t realise it was non guaranteed
Bridges is the Nets.
Its a shame Ben has chosen this way out. No cojones …….