Mike Brown likes what he’s seen from Mikal Bridges throughout the preseason and hopes New York Knicks fans appreciate that.
Mike Brown has been preparing for his first season with the New York Knicks, focusing on preseason preparation.
Brown made sure Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ on-court offensive leader, learned his system.
To his credit, Brunson praised Brown’s coaching start in the preseason, but acknowledged the Knicks still have a long way to go.
Even Mikal Bridges praised Brown’s accountability early in his tenure. And Brown seems similarly impressed with Bridges’ performance thus far.
After the Knicks’ win over the Charlotte Hornets, Mike Brown took a moment to praise Mikal Bridges.
He praised all of Bridges’ little things that go unnoticed on the defensive end, calling him an All-Defensive Team-level player.
“Mikal was really good. Six deflections, two steals in his minutes…Mikal’s next play speed is unbelievable.
“If a turnover happens or an offensive rebound happens, he doesn’t hesitate and he doesn’t take that extra step in the opposite direction of the ball.
“Right off the bat, his change of direction in switching from offense to defense was amazing. Probably one of the best players I’ve ever seen.”
“For him to get a few blocks like that is a testament to what he can do defensively.
“He’s a first-team all-defender, so I hope people notice the little things that don’t necessarily show up on the stat sheet.
“That’s clear. There’s no question in my mind. And every little thing he does, I hope, doesn’t go unnoticed because he’s been really good for us on that end of the floor.”
This summer, Mikal Bridges signed a $150 million extension with the Knicks, earning him a huge paycheck for playing well for the team.
Bridges’ contract extension came after the Knicks were unable to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo in a trade. Regardless of how he received his reward, he now has to prove he’s worth the money.
Bridges is a decent offensive player, but it’s his defense that makes him so important to the Knicks. Bridges is perhaps the Knicks’ best offensive point defender.
And he will need to play at his highest level defensively to give the Knicks a chance to compete for a championship next season.