blkexec wrote:Mikal needs a playmaking PG. And it's always a challenge to be both a scorer and playmaker. But this is JB and Thibs role to figure out. JB alone will not get us far. But getting the most out of OG and Mikal will take this team far into the playoffs.

What's the ideal SG next to Brunson?
long elite defender who can switch between guards/wings
non ball dominant or off ball player
shooter/slasher/cutter (floor spacer)
secondary ball handler

Of all those things the only thing Mikal lacks is ball handling. He's not a TO waiting to happen but doesnt look great in that role (Josh usually does that and has killed that role)

The REAL bottom line are the playoffs. Regular season means something, but it's mid term at best and the playoffs count for 60% of your grade. Mikal has such potential to be a force for us. Fingers crossed. I have high hopes

I think it's significant we have the best starting 5 though almost a whole season. Bridges is a huge part of that IMO.

If we had a healthy bench.. if McBride and Mitch were healthy and gave us 65-70 games we are challenging the Celtics for the 2 seed for sure.

I also think it's super fixable (likely not till the offseason). I absolutely think we can make a deep run and upset Cle/Bos or both IF we go into the postseason with healthy 7... that's our 5 + Mitch/McBride. I do NOT think that's likely. Mitch might make it but McBride's been gimpy all year and with a groin it aint looking good.

VDesai wrote:

martin wrote:

blkexec wrote:Mikal needs a playmaking PG. And it's always a challenge to be both a scorer and playmaker. But this is JB and Thibs role to figure out. JB alone will not get us far. But getting the most out of OG and Mikal will take this team far into the playoffs.

That's the crux of it

I mean Mikal needs to figure it out too. They player is not absolved for finding the right fit/spots. There has been a lack of assertiveness at times. I think OG has been assertive all year, or at least started that way and then got into a long physical lull in December/Jan/Feb. He seems to have his legs again and he's been really aggressive. Mikal has not been assertive in taking on contact and has floated offensively a little too often.

I haven’t completely given up hope of Zion getting traded to the Knicks. Of these two scenarios, I prefer bringing Bridges off the bench. I believe he would thrive there. And with Mitch in the paint, maybe Kolek running the 2nd unit next season. We would have a much improved bench.

If that’s not the plan, I wouldn’t mind seeing a Bridges sign and trade for Zion. As the main part of a deal. Pelicans would get the Ironman they need.
I would rather roll with Zion as a starter than Bridges and his consistently deferring to his teammates.

I’ve been impressed with how well OG is holding up. The medical/training staff seem to be doing a good job of helping keep OG playing vs. the Raptors staff. Maybe they can work some magic with Zion. A starting lineup with a healthy Zion could get us past Boston.

blkexec wrote:

fishmike wrote:

VDesai wrote:

martin wrote:

blkexec wrote:Mikal needs a playmaking PG. And it's always a challenge to be both a scorer and playmaker. But this is JB and Thibs role to figure out. JB alone will not get us far. But getting the most out of OG and Mikal will take this team far into the playoffs.

That's the crux of it

I mean Mikal needs to figure it out too. They player is not absolved for finding the right fit/spots. There has been a lack of assertiveness at times. I think OG has been assertive all year, or at least started that way and then got into a long physical lull in December/Jan/Feb. He seems to have his legs again and he's been really aggressive. Mikal has not been assertive in taking on contact and has floated offensively a little too often.

I agree and this might be my favorite part of having Brunson here and being our Captain. The leadership floor general aspect of his game is huge. I really think he will put it on himself to get guys going as well.

When JB, KAT and OG are on the floor, Mikal defers too much. He's a rhythm scorer who needs to dribble to his spot. And he's hot and cold, when forced into a role he's not comfortable in (4th option on offense).

Even though Mikal is also a catch and shoot player, that's not his strength....He's hot and cold in that role. Dribble downhill into a midrange pullup? He's above 50% and shoots those in his sleep. But there are players who are truly catch and shoot vs dribble and shoot fadeaway middies.

Who fits best next to JB you asked Fish? Thats a discussion for the off season. Even though I think the Nova crew are here to stay, Mikal just have to improve that part of his game in the off season. Right now, the goal is to get Mikal right, once JB is back. If he's starting, need to make it work period. And hopefully JB (and the team) can help get Mikal going. Thigs and the team needs him.

Divo was a better catch and shoot player that lacked in the other areas, like defense, finishing at the basket, passing and shot creation. Mikal would thrive in a system where he knows when he is expected to catch and shoot( he does this ok already) and where he will receive the ball when rolling to the hoop and when he is a part of a passing play and when he NEEDS to go to his midrange. Right now it's a random mix of whatever happens happens.

Divo's job was simpler. Only catch and shoot. Mikal is capable of so much more

DLeethal wrote:Hate to say it but everything we dislike about this years team in terms of grit, toughness, and inspiring basketball is embodied through Mikal Bridges. Very talented finesse player, but soft and sketchy mental makeup. No fire to him at all.

I completely agree with this.

Rookie wrote:

GustavBahler wrote:Another game where Bridges was too passive at times.

I haven’t completely given up hope of Zion getting traded to the Knicks. Of these two scenarios, I prefer bringing Bridges off the bench. I believe he would thrive there. And with Mitch in the paint, maybe Kolek running the 2nd unit next season. We would have a much improved bench.

If that’s not the plan, I wouldn’t mind seeing a Bridges sign and trade for Zion. As the main part of a deal. Pelicans would get the Ironman they need.
I would rather roll with Zion as a starter than Bridges and his consistently deferring to his teammates.

I’ve been impressed with how well OG is holding up. The medical/training staff seem to be doing a good job of helping keep OG playing vs. the Raptors staff. Maybe they can work some magic with Zion. A starting lineup with a healthy Zion could get us past Boston.

you're gonna be sick when they extend Bridges in the offseason for something around 33M

I will be sick too. Interestingly enough, his offensive skilllset is nearly unguardable. Great from 3 and the fadeaway midrange is on Dirk/Jordan level.

martin wrote:

VDesai wrote:We spent 5 first rounders so the likes of Cade would not embarrass us in the playoffs. Maybe Cade has befome so transcendant no one can guard him - but this is a great opportunity for Mikal to earn his extension.

For me, it seemed to take iHart more than a season and maybe up to 2 seasons to find his footing in NY. Some of it was due to his achilles the first year, some of it was opportunity playing behind Mitch.

Some times is just takes time for players to sort out things within the team environment. We shall see.

I dont disagree - but I might hold off on the extension talks without more conclusions on whether he actually can fill the role he was acquired for.

I think we wind up with OG on Cade down the final mins but Mikal early. And im not saying he has to shut him down - but can we keep him averaging under 30 ppg this series?

martin wrote:

VDesai wrote:We spent 5 first rounders so the likes of Cade would not embarrass us in the playoffs. Maybe Cade has befome so transcendant no one can guard him - but this is a great opportunity for Mikal to earn his extension.

For me, it seemed to take iHart more than a season and maybe up to 2 seasons to find his footing in NY. Some of it was due to his achilles the first year, some of it was opportunity playing behind Mitch.

Some times is just takes time for players to sort out things within the team environment. We shall see.

Also bears mentioning iHart was comfortable in his role midway through his first season. Not saying Bridges hasnt had his games, but its still doesnt feel like he is entirely comfortable with what he ks doing in each game. We want him to guard ball handlers but i dont think he likes guarding ballhandlers?