Miles Bridges' future uncertain as Hornets open training camp
Terry Rozier, LaMelo Ball, and again Terry Rozier will attempt to collectively 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.
The team’s top scorer from last season, Bridges, was accused of three counts of felony domestic violence in June. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office claims that Bridges allegedly attacked the mother of his two young children in their presence. Bridges denies the allegations and is set to appear in court on Thursday.
The Hornets are in a state of limbo regarding their star forward due to Bridges’ legal concerns. Given that Bridges is a restricted free agent, he is not included in the team’s roster and was absent from Monday’s media day.
The situation is also being monitored by the NBA.
Coach Steve Clifford, returning for another term with the Hornets, has been counselled not to comment on Bridges’ legal issues while the case is still active. Nevertheless, he spoke about the necessity for a backup plan.
“Playing 82 games inevitably leads to injuries, absences, and COVID-related issues. Therefore, it’s essential to adapt and ensure that there are contingency plans for your teams,” Clifford stated. “This situation isn’t any different.”
It is probable 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 gave them the right to match any offer sheet he signs with another team. Despite having the opportunity to withdraw that offer on July 13, the team decided against it — a clear sign they still want him to return.
Bridges’s arrest, occurring just days before the onset of free agency, deterred potential suitors. The Hornets had the option to retract the qualifying offer made to Bridges prior to July 13, but they opted against it. This suggests that the four-year NBA veteran remains integral to their plans.
Bridges’ status remains uncertain, despite the potential resolution of his legal situation and the possibility of avoiding jail time. He essentially has four alternatives: He could sign an offer sheet with another team (if one is received) and wait to see if the Hornets match it; he could sign a long-term contract with the Hornets; he could consent to play under the Hornets’ one-year qualifying offer; or he could opt to sit out the entire season and become an unrestricted free agent in July of the following year.
Several Hornets players have revealed that they’ve made contact with Bridges, with some even speaking directly to him. However, they were not willing to disclose any specifics from these private discussions.
Gordon Hayward expressed that the Hornets’ composition would change without Bridges this season, noting that “Miles Bridges is irreplaceable.”
Last season, Bridges had a career-best average of 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
“Hayward praised his teammate, acknowledging his significant contributions to their team. He stated, “He excels in both defense and offense and has shown remarkable improvement, especially offensively, in the last year. If he’s unavailable, it’s our collective responsibility to raise our game.”
LaMelo Ball commented, “I’m hoping we can get him (back). I’m not looking to bring any negative energy into the situation, but instead trying to maintain positivity.”
