Miles Bridges' future uncertain as Hornets open training camp
Terry Rozier, LaMelo Ball, and again Terry Rozier will collectively strive to compensate for the absence of top scorer Miles Bridges.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Miles Bridges’ future with the Charlotte Hornets remains uncertain as the team prepares to open training camp on Tuesday.
Last season’s leading scorer for the team, Bridges, was indicted on three counts of felony domestic violence in June. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office alleges that Bridges assaulted the mother of his two young children in their presence. He has entered a not guilty plea to the charges and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
The Hornets are in a state of limbo regarding their star forward, Bridges, due to his unresolved legal issues. Since Bridges is a restricted free agent, he is not included in the team’s roster. Furthermore, he was absent from Monday’s media day.
The situation is also being monitored by the NBA.
Coach Steve Clifford, returning for a second term with the Hornets, mentioned that he’s been counseled not to comment on Bridges’ legal predicament while it’s still under investigation. Nonetheless, he did speak about the necessity for a backup strategy.
“Playing 82 games means you’ll inevitably face injuries, absences, and even COVID-related issues. Therefore, adaptability is crucial in your strategy. You need to have backup plans for your playing groups,” said Clifford. “The current situation is not any different.”
It is likely that P.J. Washington would replace Bridges in the starting lineup.
Before his arrest, Charlotte extended a qualifying offer of $7.9 million to Bridges, which enabled them to match any contract offer he might receive from another team. They could have withdrawn this offer on July 13, but their decision not to do so strongly suggests that they are still interested in having him return.
However, Bridges’ arrest just days before the onset of free agency resulted in potential suitors distancing themselves. The Hornets had the option to withdraw the qualifying offer to Bridges prior to July 13 but decided against it, a clear sign that the four-year NBA veteran remains an integral part of their plans.
Despite the resolution of the legal situation and the possibility of Bridges avoiding jail, his status remains uncertain. Essentially, he has four alternatives. He can sign an offer sheet with a different team if one is presented and wait to see if the Hornets match it. Alternatively, he can sign a long-term contract with the Hornets, agree to play under the Hornets’ one-year qualifying offer, or opt to sit out the entire season and become an unrestricted free agent come next July.
Numerous Hornets players have reportedly reached out to Bridges and had conversations with him, but none were willing to disclose the specifics of those private discussions.
Gordon Hayward expressed that the Hornets’ composition would change without Bridges this season, emphasizing that “Miles Bridges is irreplaceable.”
Last season, Bridges had a career-high average of 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
Hayward stated, “He contributes significantly to our team in numerous positive ways, covering both offensive and defensive aspects. He’s an excellent defender and his offensive game improved notably last year. Therefore, if he’s absent, we all need to elevate our game.”
LaMelo Ball added, “I’m hoping that we get him back. I’m trying to avoid any negative energy and maintain positivity.”
