Miles Bridges is on a mission early on this season. He just helped the Charlotte Hornets beat the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday as the squad continues their hot start. In that victory, Bridges had his second 30-point performance in back-to-back games. Most importantly, his team is also 3-0 for the first time in the franchise's 33 year history. In those three games, Bridges is averaging 25 points, eight rebounds, and is shooting over 50 percent from the field. He is also taking the responsibility of guarding the opposing team's best offensive players. Bridges is doing it all early and the Most Improved Player award could have his name on it by the end of the year.
There are several names that could be in the running for the MIP award this season. Players like Jaren Jackson, Jordan Poole, and many others have had great starts. It is stiff competition, but Bridges is already creating a gap. Playing with the likes of LaMelo Ball and Gordon Hayward makes Bridges' job easy. Defenses have to zero in on those two at all times. Bridges just steps in and takes advantage of open shots and lanes to the basket. He has provided much needed scoring to close out the Hornets' last two wins.
Terry Rozier isn't healthy yet, so the Hornets needed someone to pick up the slack. Rozier led the team in scoring last season, but has dealt with an ankle issue early on this season. He'll find his rhythm again when he gets healthy for sure, but that'll be even better for Miles Bridges. That will allow the offense to feature another reliable scorer on the floor that will make winning games come easier for them and space the floor even more for Bridges.
What sets Bridges apart more from the other candidates that could be on the ballot, is that he is a legit two-way threat. Guarding the team's best player is just as important as being a lethal scorer. Being able to handle both tasks is a blessing for the Hornets. It has only been a few games, so sustaining this kind of production could be tough. Bridges' numbers could take a dip at some point. Averaging 25 points over the duration of a whole season isn't easy. The Hornets are going to need it though and it would certainly make it easier for them to extend his contract at some point this season.
The season is still young, but Miles Bridges has to be everyone's early pick to take home this award. Hopefully, he can keep up this high level of production for the rest of the season.
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