Mikal Bridges, born on August 30, 1996, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a prominent American professional basketball player currently donning the Brooklyn Nets jersey in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 209 pounds, Bridges has made a name for himself as a versatile shooting guard and small forward.
Raised by his mother, Tyneeha Rivers, who became a single parent at the age of 19, Bridges spent his early years in Overbrook, Philadelphia. Later, he moved to Malvern, Pennsylvania, during middle school. His basketball journey took a serious turn in high school at Great Valley, where coach Jim Nolan witnessed his growth spurt in sophomore year, propelling him to an impressive junior season with averages of 20 points and eight rebounds per game. In his senior year, Bridges earned First Team All-Class AAAA honors, finishing with 18.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game.
Bridges committed to Villanova in June 2013, where he redshirted his freshman season, contributing to scouting efforts. Stepping onto the court for the Wildcats in the following season, he played a pivotal role in their NCAA championship victory in 2016. Coach Jay Wright acknowledged Bridges’ defensive evolution, praising his adaptability.
Ascending to a starting role in his sophomore year, Bridges showcased his versatility, earning a reputation as a five-tool player. Known for scoring, excellent defense, and guarding the opposing team’s best players, he played a crucial role in Villanova’s success. During his junior year, Bridges continued to impress, averaging 17.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game with a notable 43.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc. His outstanding performances earned him the Julius Erving Award for best small forward, and he declared for the 2018 NBA draft after forgoing his senior season.
Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the tenth overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, Bridges was quickly traded to the Phoenix Suns. Since his debut, he has been a consistent presence on the court, setting the active record for the most consecutive games played, currently at 392. Bridges made significant contributions to the Suns, earning praise for his defensive prowess and clinching a spot on the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2022.
In the 2021 NBA Finals, Bridges played a pivotal role, scoring 27 points in a crucial Game 2 victory. Despite the Suns ultimately losing the Finals to the Milwaukee Bucks, Bridges’ performances did not go unnoticed.
In October 2021, Bridges secured a 4-year, $90 million rookie contract extension with the Suns. His defensive skills continued to shine, finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. The Suns concluded the regular season with the best overall record, but their playoff journey ended in disappointment.
On February 9, 2023, Bridges’ career took a new turn as he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, earning the nickname “Brooklyn Bridges.” His Nets debut on February 11 saw him contribute 23 points, showcasing his scoring ability. Notably, he recorded a career-high 45 points in a win against the Miami Heat on February 15.
Throughout his professional career, Bridges has consistently improved his statistics. In the 2022-23 season, he maintained his exceptional performance even after joining the Nets. On November 9, 2022, he scored a season-high 31 points, emphasizing his impact on the court. His near triple-double on November 16 further showcased his well-rounded skill set.
Bridges‘ journey reflects not only his basketball prowess but also his durability and adaptability on the court. As of the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, Mikal Bridges continues to hold the active record for the most consecutive games played in the NBA, a testament to his reliability and commitment to the game.
Off the court, Bridges reveals his affinity for the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Phillies. In a quirky revelation, he disclosed in December 2023 that he has been a daily patron of Chipotle Mexican Grill for the past ten years.
