The Nets have no shortage of young talent between Ben Simmons, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, even Nic Claxton. But who is the leader, or even the “franchise player”? Through his technical qualities but also his performances, it is Bridges who has taken on this responsibility, and that suits him.
“It’s just exciting. I could talk about it as much as I want. I could say I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that, we’re going to win games, but you don’t know until you play.”, replies Bridges. “It’s a new role. Personally, I think I can fulfill it and succeed given my personality. I’m ready to take all the bullets, to take the blame in case of defeat… I’m ready for all that. Personally, I think I’m ready, but we’ll see. »
For the former Suns winger, it’s a privilege to be in this position. “Who wouldn’t want that?” Who wouldn’t want that type of pressure, and that type of expectation? When you really love basketball and want to be the best player you can be, that’s what you want. You want to be the main player, and have everything rest on your shoulders. What to do ? Because of my upbringing and the things I’ve experienced, I feel ready for this moment and always have been. »
A leader through words
The experience of the end of the season, the playoffs but also and above all this time with Team USA will allow him to assert himself in this role, and his coach, Jacque Vaughn, can attest to this.
“He understands what we want to do and asks questions,” likes Vaughn. “That’s leadership, being receptive enough that when I say, ‘All right, does anyone have anything to say?’ » and some guys don’t ask a question, he asks one. This is part of leadership, so that the whole group is on the same line. We will encourage him and put him in a position where everyone talks and communicates. But also in a position where usually, when you speak in such a context, you know what you are talking about, otherwise you don’t speak. So he is able to know what we are doing.”
