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.
Last season’s top scorer for the team, Bridges, was accused of 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. Bridges maintains his innocence and will face the charges in court on Thursday.
The legal issues surrounding Bridges have left the Hornets uncertain, prompting a wait-and-see approach towards their star forward. As a restricted free agent, Bridges is not included in the team’s roster. Furthermore, he was absent from media day on Monday.
The situation is also being monitored by the NBA.
Coach Steve Clifford, returning for another term with the Hornets, was advised to refrain from discussing Bridges’ legal circumstances while the case is still in process. Nonetheless, he addressed the necessity for a contingency plan.
“Playing 82 games means you’re bound to deal with injuries and players being out, including issues like COVID,” said Clifford. “So, it’s crucial to be flexible in your approach, ensuring you have a back-up plan or even a third option for your playing groups. This situation is no different.”
It is likely that P.J. Washington would replace Bridges in the starting lineup.
Before his arrest, Charlotte made a qualifying offer of $7.9 million to Bridges, enabling them to match any offer sheet he signs with another team. Although they had an opportunity to withdraw the offer on July 13, they decided against it, strongly indicating their desire for him to return.
However, potential suitors were deterred as Bridges was arrested just days before free agency began. The Hornets had the option to retract the qualifying offer to Bridges before July 13, but they decided against it. This suggests that the four-year NBA veteran remains a key part of their plans.
Regardless of the resolution of Bridges’ legal situation and whether he avoids jail time, his status remains uncertain. He basically has four alternatives. He can sign an offer sheet with a different team if such an offer is made and see if the Hornets match it; he can sign a long-term contract with the Hornets; he can accept the Hornets’ one-year qualifying offer; or he can choose not to play for the entire season and become an unrestricted free agent in July next year.
Multiple Hornets players have communicated with Bridges, with a few having conversations with him. However, none of them were prepared to disclose the specifics of those confidential discussions.
Gordon Hayward expressed that the Hornets’ composition would be altered without Bridges this season, further emphasizing that “Miles Bridges is irreplaceable.”
Last season, Bridges had an average career-high of 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
“Hayward stated, ‘He contributes significantly to our team, handling responsibilities on both offense and defense. He’s a remarkable defender and made significant offensive progress last year. Therefore, it’s the duty of all of us to step up in his absence.'”
LaMelo Ball added, “I’m hoping we get him (back). I’m not trying to introduce any negative energy and am just trying to maintain positivity.”
