Hart’s Blind Loyalty: Why Stephen A. Was Right About Bridges
Stephen A. Smith went on one of his classic rants this week, ripping Josh Hart for defending Mikal Bridges, and honestly, he wasn't wrong. Hart, ever the loyal teammate, jumped to Bridges’ defense after the Nets star put up a paltry 13 points on 4-for-13 shooting against the Celtics in a 118-110 loss on February 14th. Bridges is supposed to be *the guy* in Brooklyn now, the primary offensive weapon since Kevin Durant got traded. That kind of performance just isn't good enough.
Key Analysis
Look, Hart’s a good locker room guy. He’ll always stick up for his friends. But sometimes, friendship clouds judgment. Bridges, since arriving in Brooklyn last year, has seen his scoring dip from 26.1 points per game in his first 27 games as a Net to 20.3 points per game this season. That’s a significant drop-off, especially when the expectation was for him to elevate his game, not regress. The Nets are 21-31, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference, and much of that falls on their supposed cornerstone.
**The Weight of Expectation**
Breaking It Down
Mikal Bridges was a revelation when he first landed in Brooklyn. He looked like a legitimate first option, scoring 30 or more points eight times in those initial 27 games. He had a 45-point outburst against the Heat on February 15, 2023, just days after the trade. Everyone, myself included, thought the Nets had stumbled into a star. But this season, those explosive games have been fewer and farther between. He’s topped 30 points only five times in 52 games. It’s not just a slump; it’s a trend.
And it’s not like the Nets are loaded with other scoring options. Spencer Dinwiddie was often inefficient before getting traded. Cam Thomas can score in bunches, but he's not a primary playmaker. Bridges was handed the keys, and the car's been sputtering. When Stephen A. pointed out Bridges’ inconsistent offensive game, particularly his struggles to create his own shot against higher-level defenses, he hit the nail on the head. Hart's retort about Bridges playing hard every night misses the point. Effort is a given for an NBA player, especially one making $21 million this season. Production is what gets you paid and wins games.
What This Means
**Is Bridges a True Number One?**
Here’s the thing: Mikal Bridges is an excellent two-way player. He’s a fantastic defender, averaging 1.0 steals and 0.4 blocks per game this year. He shoots 44.5% from the field and 36.3% from three. Those are solid numbers for a second or third option on a contending team. But the Nets aren't a contending team, and they're asking him to be their primary scorer. He's not built for that role. He thrives as a complementary piece, cutting off-ball, hitting open shots, and stifling opponents on defense.
Looking Ahead
When you're the focal point, defenses key in on you. They send double teams, they force you into tough shots, and they make you initiate the offense more often. Bridges hasn't consistently shown he can handle that pressure over a full season. His usage rate is up to 26.1%, a career high, but his true shooting percentage is down to 55.4%, his lowest since his rookie year. It tells a story of a player being asked to do too much. Stephen A. may scream and shout, but his core argument about Bridges’ offensive ceiling as a primary option is tough to dispute based on the numbers.
My bold prediction? The Nets realize this by the trade deadline next season and move Bridges to a team where he can slot back into a more natural secondary role, maximizing his defensive prowess and efficient scoring.