Mikal Bridges Reveals Initial Reaction to Ending Up On Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns organization has come a long way from the grim 2010's decade, but the operations under governor Mat Ishbia still require much action to get to the place they want to be. 

One of the first steps to taking the franchise back to its winning ways was on NBA Draft night 2018, where the Suns drafted center Deandre Ayton first overall and traded up to the number 10 selection to acquire forward Mikal Bridges. 

Phoenix was thrilled with the haul they secured on that day, but not all parties involved were as enthused.

Bridges joined the "Roommates Show" recently to discuss a myriad of topics, including one that is being overlooked - his reaction to being drafted by the Suns.

“Media, pictures, you can see it, bro. I had a fake smile. I couldn’t even smile. I was really mad as hell. I was so pissed… I didn’t even go out after the draft. I went home, went straight to bed. Like, what am I supposed to be happy for? I was mad at myself at that point.” 

Not only did Bridges get traded away by his hometown Philadelphia 76ers, he was also going into a less-than-ideal basketball situation in Phoenix. His first two seasons were met with real promise, although an inconsistent jump shot and subpar ecosystem prevented him from fully breaking out. 

The 2020 trade for Chris Paul is where everything started to click for Bridges. The Villanova product shot a career-best 42.5% from three-point range during the run to the NBA Finals. Bridges improved even more statistically the next season, but unfortunately had to be included in the trade that brought Kevin Durant to Phoenix. 

Bridges played in every possible game as a member of the Suns from 2018-2023, and became a pillar of the identity that the franchise took on under Monty Williams. He endeared himself to the fanbase to the extent that many Suns fans still long for the day he makes a return to Phoenix, although this doesn't seem overwhelmingly likely at the moment. 

The moral of the story here? Not everything is at it seems. Bridges joined the Suns under the guise that it wouldn't be an enjoyable experience. He left as a fan-favorite that built a lasting legacy for the franchise. The Suns are seeking to continue this trend under the next generation of players, including rookie Koa Peat and second-year center Khaman Maluach.