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 indicted on three felony domestic violence charges in June. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office reports that Bridges is accused of attacking his two young children’s mother in their presence. Bridges has entered a not guilty plea to the allegations and is due in court on Thursday.
The Hornets are in a state of uncertainty due to the legal issues surrounding Bridges, their star forward. Bridges, being a restricted free agent, is not included on 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 a second tenure with the Hornets, was advised not to comment on Bridges’ legal issues while the case is still active. Despite this, he addressed the necessity of having a backup plan.
“Playing 82 games inevitably leads to injured players or players being unavailable, not to mention the impact of COVID. Therefore, it’s essential to adapt your thinking and always have a backup plan for your teams,” said Clifford. “This situation is no different.”
It is likely that P.J. Washington would replace Bridges in the starting lineup.
Before Bridges’ arrest, Charlotte had extended a qualifying offer of $7.9 million to him, which gave them the right to match any offer sheet he signed with another team. Although the team could have withdrawn the offer on July 13, they chose not to, indicating their continued interest in having him return.
However, due to Bridges’ arrest occurring just days before free agency began, prospective teams were deterred. The Hornets had the option to withdraw the qualifying offer to Bridges prior to July 13th, yet they opted against it. This suggests that the four-year NBA veteran remains a key part of their future plans.
Even if Bridges doesn’t end up in jail and the legal matter is settled, his status remains unclear. He essentially has four choices: to sign an offer sheet from another team, if one is presented, and see if the Hornets match it; to agree to a long-term contract with the Hornets; to consent to play under the Hornets’ one-year qualifying offer; or to not play for the entire season and become an unrestricted free agent next July.
Several Hornets players have claimed to have contacted Bridges, with some even having spoken to him. However, none were willing to divulge the specifics of those private discussions.
Gordon Hayward expressed that not having Bridges for the rest of the season would change the Hornets’ composition, further stating, “you can’t replace Miles Bridges.”
Last season, Bridges had an average of 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, which was the highest in his career.
Hayward stated, “He significantly contributes to our team in many ways, both offensively and defensively. His defense is impressive and he made a significant improvement offensively last year. Thus, if he’s absent, we all need to double our efforts.”
LaMelo Ball added, “I’m hoping we get him back. I don’t want to introduce any negativity, just trying to maintain positivity.”
