How Bridges Became an Essential Piece in the NBA's Rising Teams

I remember watching that crucial PBA game last season where Jayson Castro’s lay-up extended TNT’s lead to 89-80 with just 1:47 remaining. It felt like a classic closing moment—the kind where veterans stabilize a game. But what struck me wasn’t just Castro’s composure; it was how Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee answered with a four-point play and a last-gasp lay-up, cutting the deficit to three with only 20 seconds left. That sequence, for me, perfectly mirrors why players like Mikal Bridges have become indispensable in today’s NBA—especially for rising teams. They’re the connective tissue between explosive runs and gritty finishes, the unsung heroes who turn potential into wins.

When I look at teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder a couple of seasons ago or the Orlando Magic now, I see a pattern emerging. These squads aren’t just stacking superstars; they’re investing in what I call “bridge players”—versatile wings or guards who may not always dominate headlines but consistently impact winning. Take Bridges, for example. Since his move to the Brooklyn Nets, he’s evolved from a 3-and-D specialist into a two-way engine, averaging around 20 points per game while guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player. I’ve always believed that stats like these only tell half the story. What stands out is his availability—he hasn’t missed a game since his college days, a streak of over 400 NBA appearances. That reliability is gold for young teams navigating the grueling 82-game schedule.

Let’s break it down further. In that PBA game I mentioned, Castro’s lay-up wasn’t just about scoring; it was about controlling tempo. Similarly, Bridges does the little things—deflections, secondary assists, and timely cuts—that keep offenses fluid. I recall a game last year where the Nets were down by 12 in the fourth quarter against the Celtics. Bridges didn’t force shots; instead, he locked down Jayson Tatum on three consecutive possessions, leading to fast-break opportunities. They clawed back and won by four. Those moments don’t always make SportsCenter, but coaches and analysts notice. In fact, I’d argue that Bridges’ defensive rating, which hovers around 108, undersells his impact because it doesn’t capture how he disrupts offensive sets before they even develop.

From a team-building perspective, bridging players like this are cost-effective. In an era where max contracts can cripple cap flexibility, having someone on a mid-level deal who contributes across multiple categories is a steal. Think about the Memphis Grizzlies before Ja Morant’s breakout—they relied heavily on Dillon Brooks’ tenacity to stay competitive. Brooks averaged just 16 points per game, but his defensive versatility allowed the Grizzlies to experiment with lineups. Now, Bridges offers even more offensive upside. Last season, he shot 38% from three on over six attempts per game, spacing the floor for drivers. For rising teams, that’s not just nice to have; it’s essential for unlocking half-court execution.

I’ll admit, I’m biased toward these types of players because they embody the kind of basketball I love—team-oriented, resilient, and smart. When Brownlee hit that four-point play against TNT, it wasn’t a solo act; it came off a well-set screen and a defensive breakdown. Bridges excels in similar scenarios, reading plays before they happen. In my analysis, his basketball IQ is what separates him. He rarely takes bad shots—his true shooting percentage sits around 58%—and he’s improved his playmaking, dishing out roughly four assists per game this past season. For a wing, that’s elite efficiency.

But it’s not just about numbers. I’ve spoken with scouts who emphasize how bridge players accelerate development in younger squads. On the Houston Rockets, for instance, Jae’Sean Tate plays a Bridges-like role, mentoring rookies while providing switchable defense. That cultural fit matters. In Brooklyn, Bridges has become a de facto leader despite not being the highest-paid player. He sets the tone in practices, and teammates feed off his energy. Remember, the Nets improved their win total by 12 games after acquiring him, jumping from a play-in team to a solid playoff contender. That’s no coincidence.

Of course, there are limitations. Bridges isn’t a primary creator yet—his usage rate is around 25%, which is solid but not superstar territory. But for rising teams, that’s okay. They don’t need him to be Luka Dončić; they need him to complement a budding star, much like how Kawhi Leonard started with the Spurs. In today’s pace-and-space NBA, where positionless basketball reigns, a player who can guard three positions and score efficiently is a blueprint for success. I’d go as far as to say that if you’re a GM building from the ground up, securing a bridge player should be your second priority after landing a franchise cornerstone.

Wrapping this up, that Ginebra-TNT game taught me something about sustainability in basketball. Castro’s lay-up provided stability, but Brownlee’s late surge showed that resilience often hinges on versatile contributors. In the NBA, Bridges represents that balance—a player who bridges gaps in scoring, defense, and leadership. As the league evolves, I predict we’ll see more teams prioritizing these Swiss Army knives. They might not always have the flashiest highlights, but they’re the reason rising teams turn hopeful seasons into lasting success. And honestly, that’s the kind of basketball worth watching—every single night.