The Charlotte Hornets are preparing for a season where some players will progress while others may regress, with Miles Bridges among those expected to face challenges. This anticipated decline is highlighted by the predicted loss of athleticism as Bridges approaches 28 years old during the 2025-26 season, marking a significant factor in the broader discussion of Miles Bridges Charlotte Hornets decline.
Reasons Behind Bridges’ Waning Performance
Insights from Bleacher Report insider Grant Hughes point primarily to a decrease in Bridges’ explosive athletic ability, a common trend for players heavily reliant on physicality as they move into their late twenties. Hughes explains,
“It’s never a bad idea to forecast slippage for athleticism-based players as they move into their late 20s,”
underlining the physiological realities that Bridges is beginning to face. While 28 is not old by NBA standards, it signals a potential end to the peak athleticism that defined his earlier years.
In addition, Bridges’ consistency as a shooter has dropped, with his three-point percentage falling from 40% in the 2020-21 season to under 35% in subsequent years. This decrease in outside shooting, paired with declining defense and overall efficiency, paints a concerning picture for the forward’s role on the team. Hughes points out,
“Paired with poor defense and declining overall efficiency, the lefty forward’s diminishing bounce (only 55 dunks last year, a four-year low) means he’s going to lose minutes and score less frequently for a Charlotte squad that seems to want spacing around LaMelo Ball,”
providing insight into how his reduced athletic output directly limits his contribution within the Hornets’ strategic framework.
Limited Role and Reduced Opportunities Ahead
Bridges historically performs better when he has the ball in his hands, receiving more opportunities especially when LaMelo Ball or Brandon Miller are off the court. However, as the team expects Ball and Miller to be healthier and more consistent in the upcoming season, Bridges’ time with the ball is likely to diminish. His standout 46-point performance in a loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers occurred when Ball struggled, showcasing how Bridges’ effectiveness correlates with increased usage.
With the Hornets’ approach shifting towards spacing around Ball and relying on Miller as a rising talent, Bridges will likely see fewer chances to push offensive output. This adjustment signals an inevitable dip in his scoring and overall impact, directly tying into the narrative of Miles Bridges Charlotte Hornets decline as the team prioritizes other options.
Implications for the Hornets’ Upcoming Season
The Hornets are navigating complex roster dynamics, balancing the development of newer players with the fading peak of veterans like Bridges. This expected downturn in Bridges’ performance could complicate Charlotte’s offensive strategy and spacing tactics, especially as the team looks to support Ball’s role as the primary playmaker. Without the athleticism and shooting reliability Bridges once offered, the Hornets may face difficulties maintaining their offensive versatility and efficiency.
Looking forward, the evolving roster and Bridges’ declining athletic edge suggest a challenging season for Charlotte, potentially slowing their progression and requiring strategic adjustments to compensate for diminished contributions from one of their longest-tenured players. The team’s ability to adapt around these changes will be critical as they compete for playoff positioning in the coming months.