Mikal Bridges shouldn’t have to make much of an adjustment to get used to his new role with the Knicks.
It would be similar to experiences he had with Villanova University, the Suns and most recently the USA Basketball Team.
Rather, it was unusual for the talented two-way wing to be a go-to player for the Nets.
“Honestly, I don’t think it’s that hard,” Bridges said this week upon being introduced as a new member of the Knicks. “I think it’s just in my nature to understand the brand we’re playing here and play the right way. It just seems natural. [Team] “Similar things are happening in the US as they were when I went there last year, and obviously the role will change.”
The 6-foot-6 Bridges has excelled as a second option on offense during his time at Villanova and beyond, capable of producing big scores when called upon, but he hasn’t been expected to play that role every night.
That won’t be asked of him on a Knicks team with Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby.
Bridges will be one of several talented players for the Knicks as they contend for a championship.
“I’m just preparing,” he said of his commitment to his new team. “I’m a quick adapter. Look, I just want to win. I know what I have to do to help this team win and I’m excited.”
Part of the excitement is a reunion with former Villanova teammates Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo.
Bridges watched from afar as they flourished together and advanced to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Now he’s part of a group called Nicksanova, coined by Washington Post columnist Mike Vaccaro.
Bridges was a part of the Wildcats’ national championship teams in 2016 and 2018 and still has hopes of winning an NBA championship.
He seemed very excited to be playing with Branson again.
When Brunson signed a four-year, $104 million contract with the Knicks two summers ago, some thought the amount was too high.
The move was heavily criticized.
Bridges knew better at the time, tweeting, “I guess people don’t know how cold JB really is lol.”
Now that Brunson has developed into one of the league’s best lead guards, that seems like a wise move.
“JB is who he is. … I know how hard he works. I know how crazy his dad is,” Bridges said of Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson. “I know what he’s capable of, so it was a no-brainer for me. But honestly, JB in general, his time at Villanova, playing in college, playing basketball with him, it’s just like second nature.
“He plays the game the right way. I know how to play with him. I’m looking forward to playing with him and everyone on this team.”
With the addition of Bridges and the re-signing of Anunoby, Knicks fans are hopeful the team is in position to become a legitimate championship contender.
Bridges seems like he’d fit in well here, not only because he’s familiar with Brunson, Hart and DiVincenzo, but because he offers a skill set as a tenacious defender and strong offensive player that complements the team.
Plus, Bridges is an iron man who has played in 474 consecutive games since being drafted 10th overall by the Suns in 2010, so new head coach Tom Thibodeau should be pleased with him.
“If you look at last year’s team, I think I adapted really well,” Bridges said. “Obviously, they have two All-NBA guys in JB and Julius. My style of basketball is just good. I know how to play to win and I make the right plays. So I thought I adapted really well.”
