Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges has missed the last three preseason games, but his elbow is finally back to full health and at “100 percent” as he returned to practice.
“Obviously, it was frustrating because I wanted to be out there and play. But (it was better) for the long run, because you don't want to come back too early,” said Bridges, according to Gina Mizell of The Athletic.
The rookie out of Villanova was selected with the 10th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers and consequently traded to the Suns, who valued his scoring acumen and all-around contributions to a championship team.
Bridges is one of five Suns rookies who will take the court this season, and despite the early training camp injuries, they have meshed well.
Deandre Ayton, the NBA's top overall selection and the tallest of the five Phoenix rookies, has already noticed the championship DNA in Bridges, who first linked up with him during last spring’s college basketball awards circuit.
“That’s when we really started to bond,” Ayton said. “I realized this dude is not only a winner, but his character is amazing. He’s super humble.”
Bridges will join some new veteran additions in Trevor Ariza and Ryan Anderson, who all form part of a new-look roster that has quickly meshed
“You build a brotherhood that way,” Ariza said. “You root for each other. You pull for each other. You want everybody to succeed, just as you want yourself to. What I’ve noticed from them is that’s the type of relationship that they’re building.”
Now fully healthy, it's only a matter of time before the Villanova standout starts to carve out minutes, but he will have a long road ahead with seasoned veterans like T.J. Warren and Ariza ahead of him.
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