I’ll expand later on this topic (of course I will whether anyone wants me to or not lol). But I’ve been a staunch Miles critic. Long time.
But I’m having less of an issue with miles this season and have to give credit when it’s due. Of course, the same concerns (bad three point shooting, efficiency, BBIQ) still remain. But I actually haven’t minded miles this season. Do I want him on the team? Not really. Do I think his contract is now “a good deal”? No. Do I like him? Nope. But I’m hoping that this more mature miles continues. I think he’s taken a small step this year.
I think Bridges has played better the last few weeks. He seems to drive more lately than “settle” for a 3. Perhaps that’s a slight change in philosophy. Of course, they shoot way too many 3s for my taste but I’m not the coach.
For all we know, between him and Kluch, he may have been trying (overtrying) to elevate his hero-ball profile ahead of the trade deadline. Since knowing he’s not moving this deadline, maybe he settled more into team ball. Just a thought as I think the timing lines up.
I don’t think criticism is fair to Miles when half the time he’s the only regular starter out there trying to make it work. I mean, he’s the #1 option in most of these games and he doesn’t have a choice sometimes but to try and make something happen.
I still don’t like his game and never really have but maybe that’s a personal opinion and not necessarily a fair basketball analysis. I just wouldn’t want him on my team if I were the coach. Not good enough/smart enough to be the man but not bad enough that you can’t not play him.
A big issue of miles bridges is his low percentage three point shot. If he was pushing 38-40% from three he is a much more efficient player and scoring threat.
It’s no coincidence that his improved play lately has correlated with much improved three point shooting. A couple games of making 5 per game I think? The half season (a couple years ago) that got everyone all excited, miles had pushed his 3p% to the 40% number. Scored more, much more efficient, stretched defenses and kept them honest.
I think the dialogue was “we haven’t seen miles bridges ceiling as a player yet” vs. “this is streaky 3P%, and this IS his ceiling”.
I think it’s safe to say that he’s a very streaky three point shooter, but is typically a subpar 30-33% shooter.
Edit: forgot to add this in. And if a player is not efficient and a poor three point shooter, he better make up for it in other ways-particularly defensively. And in miles case, not too much going for him on the defensive end. He’s an okay rebounder, not a good passer, and turns the ball over. And also beats women.
As a consistent Miles hater (low bbiq) I’ll have to admit as well he’s not been quite such an idiot lately. Still a boneheaded play occasionally but good enough where I’m not actively plotting to trade him.
I never thought I’d say this but there might actually be a role for him here if he can keep it up.