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Mikal Bridges, New York Knicks

Mikal Bridges has yet to find traction in the New York Knicks’ offense at the start of the season. The former Brooklyn Nets wing is still figuring out where he fits within Tom Thibodeau’s loaded starting unit.

However, Bridges was never acquired as a featured offensive player. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, who spoke on SNY’s “The Putback,” the Knicks added Bridges because of his elite defensive skills. The goal was and still is to create the best defensive wing duo in the NBA.

“You give up five on Bridges not because you think he’s going to be a great offensive player,” MacMahon said. ‘You think he will be better than he has been so far. But as a third or fourth option he has been a very good attacking player throughout his career.”

MacMahon continued.

“But you trade for Bridges because… This is a guy who has been in the defensive player of the year conversation. You trade for him to pair with OG Anunoby and give you what should be the best defensive tandem in the entire NBA. And then you can protect (Jalen) Brunson… The expectation is that he is an absolute elite defensive player.”

Under Thibodeau, the Knicks have built a reputation as an elite defensive unit. But to start the season, New York currently ranks 24th in the NBA in defensive rating. The Knicks need more from Bridges and the rest of the roster if they want to become the suffocating defense they are expected to be.

Bridges and Anunoby have to stop the Celtics

It’s no coincidence that New York has built a roster with possibly the best wing defense in the NBA. To slow down the Boston Celtics, you have to find a way to contain Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Every team in the NBA tried to beat the All-Star duo last season and failed.

With Bridges and OG Anunoby, the Knicks have a great chance to retain the Celtics’ star duo. In the playoffs, where adjustments are made from game to game, Thibodeau’s team would have a chance to limit the impact Tatum and Brown can have as primary scorers.

Of course, limiting two of the best offensive forwards in the NBA only happens if the Knicks’ defense evolves and everyone gives their best effort. Thibodeau demands dedication to the small details. Yes, the Knicks are a much-improved offensive unit, but without the balance that comes from playing two-way basketball, New York will struggle to compete for a spot in the conference finals, let alone the NBA Finals.

Bill Simmons questions Knicks bridge trade

Veteran NBA reporter Bill Simmons is unsure about the Knicks’ decision to trade for Bridges. During a Nov. 5 episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” the longtime analyst shared his thoughts on why the Knicks may have moved too quickly to add the defensive specialist to their roster.

“What was the point of the Bridges trade?” Simmons asked.’ ‘For what they gave up for him. For how little they use it. It’s quite shocking. He’s a 15 points per game guy. He just stands in the corner at crunch time. “I thought he would be a lot more involved in their offense… I thought they would use Bridges as more than this complementary player… He just seems so irrelevant to them at times.”

Knicks fans will undoubtedly overlook Bridges’ offensive struggles as he begins operating at an elite level of defense. His role mainly consists of knocking down open shots, forcing rotations and limiting the other team’s best player.

New York has all the resources to be elite. Sooner or later things will start to click. If that happens, the rest of the NBA needs to sit up and take notice.

Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter who covers the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker and FanSided. Adam has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the Open University. More about Adam Taylor