SupremeCommander wrote:VDesai wrote: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?
yes, I would love for Bridge's to eat Cade's lunch. But is that really the barometer for success here? I think that's as absurd as Mike Budenholzer telling Bradley Beal that he's their Jrue Holliday
I have never believed Mikal Bridges to be Bruce Bowen. I view him at his best as a B+ scorer and a B+ defender. I view him a guy who can succeed without needing to be featured. We just added another guy who is being featured by us, and last year we added another guy who all of a sudden look like peak Kawhi. I would argue all those other guys have to figure it out completely before Bridges will get his chance to figure it out completely
Lastly, the way for him to 'redeem' himself isn't by clamping anyone down. The way he redeems himself is to continue to stay available, and when Brunson, KAT, or OG gets injured and then Bridges steps in and its like nothing bad happened
Yeah, I'm in this boat with you. We have to ask: was Mikal the Dyson Daniels of defenders before he got to NY or Brooklyn? Probably not but he is a very good defender - he has won the Knicks games with his defense - asked to play the most minutes in the league while being available every day and defending the best offensive players AND scoring at a fairly high clip. We found out he is not young Kobe or LeBron is all.
What are Mikal's comparisons in the league? Guys that are as good as he is as a defender while putting up the stats on offense and not missing 20 games a year? The comps would be interesting.
I think THibs and staff and FO push players to see what their limits are, they have to find out too. And then they readjust accordingly. Knicks asked a lot from Mikal. They pushed Randle too and he thrived in 2020 and maybe failed the year after, but he and team were better for it. They are currently pushing Brunson and KAT as well. I think Brunson is thriving (while still needing to run the offense better) and KAT is not (especially and obviously on the defensive side of things).
VDesai, Leon already knows he has little leverage in negotiating a contract with Mikal, and that is the same for most all players in Mikal's position, it's just not a Knicks thing. You can never let a talent that Mikal has walk, you just can't. Mikal is a proven player within his skillset. He is tight with Brunson and also brought players like Cam Payne and perhaps Shamet with him. You have to account for all of that. Mikal will get a market rate contract and has next year to prove if he is in the OG $40M category or just a bit under.
Otherwise, you tempt fate and let him walk? No way.
4/18/2025 2:47 PM LAST EDITED: 4/18/2025 2:47 PM