Jalen Brunson Could Ruin Mikal Bridges’ Knicks Move as Ex-NBA Star Hints at Locker Room Tensions

The New York Knicks seem to have a perfect offensive lineup. With Jalen Brunson at the top, Julius Randle at the three, and Mikal Bridges on the wing, it’s safe to say that the Knicks will be a problem in the East. Nevertheless, in light of Bridges’ arrival, fans as well as critics might have missed this crucial factor when considering the Knicks’ offense. This particular problem was addressed by a former Knick as concerns around Mikal’s role on the Knicks started to rise.

Mike Bibby, who spent the best years of his career in Sacramento played his last few seasons in New York. He was best known for his performance with the Kings. Especially the 2002 postseason run when the Kings lost to the Lakers in the Conference Finals, which later was revealed to be rigged. Bibby could have had a ring under his name if it hadn’t been for the unfortunate event. Nevertheless, Bibby is aware of what Bridges brings to the table. However, according to Bibby, Mikal Bridges might find it hard to adjust alongside a star player.

“He was great in Brooklyn. He was the number one option in Brooklyn. When you come to a new team and you’re not the number one option no more? You have to see how guys are going to play out in that situation,” Bibby said. There is no doubt that Bridges was phenomenal in Brooklyn. In fact, after the big three left, Bridges was Brooklyn’s only hope. Now, coming from a team where Bridges played the role of a primary scorer, he might need some time adjusting alongside Brunson, who is indeed one of the top guards in the league.

Mikal Bridges in Manhattan with the Knicks is a transition notes Mike Bibby.

“He was great in Brooklyn.”

“He was the number one option in Brooklyn. When you come to a new team and you’re not the number one option no more? You have to see how guys are going to play out in that… https://t.co/ynSd98WcxG pic.twitter.com/NRrSLxI72M

— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) September 14, 2024

Bridges averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while shooting over 43% from the field in Brooklyn. On the other hand, Brunson’s time in New York made him the star he is today. Would this mean that Bridges will have to take a backseat? Well, not exactly. If anything, Bridges and Brunson can play well as starters. Similar to how Doncic and Irving improved their on-court chemistry, the Villanova boys can look to gel together in the same way. Besides, the two have shared the court before their NBA careers.

Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson would fit perfectly

The duo won two national titles together in Villanova. As a small forward, Mikal Bridges would be an asset alongside Randle, who will play the four. Bridges is a consistent three-point shooter. He scored over 37% of his attempts last year. Not only that, but Bridges can also finish at the rim and dominate from the mid-range. If anything, the forward can take the load off Brunson during the playoffs. Moreover, if the Knicks can space the floor for the two, they can expect a heavy production offensively.

Bridges also spent four years in Phoenix where his defense stood out the most. He’s an exceptional on-ball defender and can guard the perimeter perfectly. It will be interesting to see whether Bridges willingly takes a backseat as the season approaches. The Knicks will look to top the East this year, as the squad settled for the second seed, 14 games behind the Celtics. According to NBA columnist Shaun Powell, the addition of Bridges to the Knicks makes the championship a “realistic goal for a team built to win.” Powell adds: “Brunson, Randle, Anunoby, Bridges, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Miles McBride … there’s depth, defense and an ability to excel in both half-court and up-tempo. The Knicks could very well be Boston’s biggest threat in the East.”

What are your thoughts on Mikal Bridges’ role on the Knicks? Do you think he’ll be a great fit alongside Brunson? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.