Mikal Bridges plays a vital role in the New York Knicks' starting lineup, using his length on defense and mid-range shooting and cutting abilities on offense.
The small forward did everything he could to keep the Knicks close in Tuesday's loss to the Boston Celtics, hitting eight threes on his way to a season-high 35 points.
Bridges is thriving under first-year head coach Mike Brown, but it may not be enough to earn his first All-Star selection.
"This one might be a stretch, but Bridges has been massive for the Knicks," The Athletic's Zach Harper wrote Wednesday about Bridges' All-Star odds. "His scoring is extremely timely, he’s moving the ball in Mike Brown’s offense, and he’s disrupting opponents on defense."
Harper gave Bridges a three out of 10 chance of earning an All-Star selection, citing that other players around the league, like the Atlanta Hawks' Jalen Johnson, deserve the spot more.
Bucks-Knicks trade rumors swirling
Recent rumors indicate the Milwaukee Bucks may entertain trade offers for star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will be sidelined for 2-4 weeks with a calf strain.
Many Bucks-Knicks mock trades for Antetokounmpo include Bridges' name, but keep in mind that the swingman does not become eligible for a trade until February 1, 2026.
Bridges signed a four-year extension with the Knicks during the summer, hoping to help New York win their first championship since 1973.
More Knicks news:
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- Knicks head coach Mike Brown delivering on offseason promise early in season
- Jason Kidd raves about Jalen Brunson after Knicks win over Mavericks
- Knicks fan points out Mike Brown-Tom Thibodeau hypocrisy after Jalen Brunson injury