The Charlotte Hornets finished 14th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 27-55. Though in the 2021-22 season, the team was 10th in the East, qualifying for the Play-In tournament. The drastic downfall of the team had a lot to do with the inconsistent roster, as well as playing without one of their key players, Miles Bridges.
Drafted by the Clippers, Bridges was traded to the Hornets for two second-round picks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Since his rookie season, Bridges has been a crucial contributor for the Hornets.
In the 2021-22 season, Bridges put up 20 points and 7 rebounds, playing a total of 80 games. Going into his next season, the Hornets extended a $7.9 million qualifying offer, as he was then a restricted free agent. Bridges was just offered an extension when on the same day Miles had the worst of all. Bridges was charged with multiple offenses and was arrested.
Miles Bridges received a 30-game suspension
On June 28th, as later revealed, Bridges allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Mychelle Johnson, in front of their children. Miles faced serious charges which included domestic violence-related charges and child abuse which stemmed from the assault.
Bridges was sentenced to three years of probation which included all sorts of precautions. The NBA had launched its own investigation after which the league had come up with its decision. Miles received a 30-games suspension, though he had already missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season, for which the league has deemed 20 games of the suspension.
Miles Bridges announces that he will be back soon pic.twitter.com/wdle53wWsz
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 15, 2023
Bridges is yet to sign a contract, but the remaining 10 games still stand, and Miles will miss the first ten games of the upcoming season. Recently, Bridges tweeted that he will be coming back soon. It’s been almost a year since the incident and after missing an entire season, Bridges will be back in action.
The Hornets had their extended offer for Bridges, though it does not stand anymore. Recent reports revealed that the Lakers as well as the Pistons had been monitoring Miles’ situation, as they have much interest in the 25-year-old.
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/KyHspQ2SFi
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 14, 2023
On the court, Miles is a talented scorer as well as a versatile player. Looking at teams who show interest in signing Miles, Los Angeles seems to be a great fit for Bridges. For a player like him, who can put up 20 points and night while shooting efficiently from the field, Miles’ presence will add more depth to the roster. It will be interesting to see which other team would offer Bridges a spot.