Bridges is a Perfect Fit Next to Devin Booker
The top priority for the Suns needs to be helping Devin Booker as much as they possibly can before he becomes the next disgruntled star that forces his way out of town.
The best way to help Booker is to provide him with cohesive talents that are going to compete. Mikal Bridges checks every box that you would want for a wing player next to Booker.
In the 56 minutes that Booker and Bridges have shared the floor, the Suns have recorded an impressive 119.7 offensive rating, an 83.6 defensive rating, and a 36.1 net rating.
The two-man combination of Booker and Bridges can be successful. They have posted the best offensive rating, defensive rating, and net rating among all 39 of the Suns’ two-man combinations that have logged at least 50 minutes.
The fact of the matter is that Booker is a high usage playmaker that needs wing players that can at least knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers, cut to the basket, make basic plays with the ball, and be a disruptive defender. Bridges can do all of that.
Let’s not forget that Bridges is an older prospect so he’s the opposite of a raw prospect. In fact, he is 22-years-old and is older than Booker. There is no point in waiting to give him a larger role.
By starting Bridges next to Booker, Phoenix would be able to shift their focus to finding a better starting point guard. They would be able to go and find a proficient passer at that position and that could provide them with a needed offensive boost.
Acquiring a starting caliber point guard and placing that player along with Booker, Bridges, T.J. Warren, and Deandre Ayton should help the team improve. The next step after that would be to continue replacing net negatives with positive contributors.
Making that move doesn’t have to happen during the season, though. It’s already clear that the Suns are the worst team in the Western Conference. Waiting until the NBA Draft and perhaps selecting a point guard like Darius Garland or being aggressive in free agency is the best bet.
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