The-Pivot-Podcast
Mikal Bridges speaks on a range of topics in "The Pivot," including his basketball and professional journey, playing for the Brooklyn Nets, his approach to leadership, the importance of winning, and the NBA playoffs. Bridges also discusses the challenges of living in New York and managing distractions. Additionally, he shares his opinion on the importance of working hard to become a good player and the significance of defense. Bridges also shares his insight into the Phoenix Suns' team coach, Monty Williams, his character, and his potential for future success with a new team.
In this section, Mikal Bridges discusses the Miami and New York club scene, reminiscing about the time when AI would walk into the club at 3am. He also talks about the differences between football and basketball and how football players want to play basketball, but it's natural for him to throw around a ball. Bridges then goes on to talk about his basketball career and how redshirting his freshman year at Villanova helped him develop the toughness needed to become the player he is today.
In this section, Mikal Bridges discusses his freshman year in college and how difficult it was for him. Despite not playing during games, he had to lift and practice with the team, causing his body to be incredibly sore. This, along with the extra conditioning and work he had to put in, was mentally challenging for Bridges. However, he says that going through this tough time built him to where he is now and taught him a lot about dealing with adversity. Additionally, Bridges talks about the support system that helped him along the way, particularly his mother who signed him up for every camp possible. Bridges believes that his mother's approach allowed him to enjoy his childhood and succeed on his own terms, step by step.
In this section, Bridges discusses why some of the best players in the game may struggle with the transition to the NBA. He believes it could be due to entitlement and a lack of accountability, in addition to not working hard enough. He emphasizes that hard work and consistent daily workouts are the key to improvement. Bridges also talks about the importance of having people around who will hold you accountable and make sure you're doing the right things, using his mother as an example of someone who does not play around when it comes to accountability.
In this section of the video, Mikal Bridges shares the story of how he ended up being drafted by the Suns instead of the hometown team, the 76ers, who had shown significant interest in him. Mikal's mother worked for the 76ers while Mikal played at Villanova, and many thought it would be a perfect fit for both parties. However, the 76ers traded him off to the Suns just 15 minutes later, and Mikal was initially upset and disheartened. Nevertheless, Mikal has come to see the move as a blessing, citing the coaches and teammates he's met in Phoenix who have helped him develop into the player and leader he is today.
In this section, Mikal Bridges talks about the importance of being recognized as a defender in the NBA and the effort it takes to make the all-defensive team. He points out that a lot of players focus on offense because it's "pretty," while defense takes a lot of heart, hustle, and study. To be a lockdown defender, one has to understand the tendencies of the players they are guarding and figure out a way to make it difficult for them. When it comes to guarding players like Stephen Curry, Bridges says it's tough to shut them down completely, but the goal is to make it difficult and know their moves to contest shots and prevent open looks. Coaches and teammates also recognize the defensive effort players put in to guard the best players in the league.
In this section, Mikal Bridges talks about his experience being traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets and how he embraced the opportunity. Despite the craziness of sports media and fans in New York, Bridges had a positive outlook on the situation and even accepted the moniker "Brooklyn Bridges". He also talks about his past experiences as a crazy fan in Philly and how he understands the passion of fans.
In this section, Mikal Bridges discusses how he felt about being traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets and how it influenced his performance. He mentioned that he struggled in the beginning but changed his workout routine to adapt and become more efficient. As he became more proficient in the role he played, he was traded and knew he was ready for whatever the future held. Bridges also talked about playing for the Nets, how he stepped up as a leader, and the disappointment he experienced in losing the game six and seven of the playoffs. Even though the Heat knocked them out of the playoffs, Bridges learned much from being a leader which will help him in the future.
In this section, Mikal Bridges talks about his approach to leadership and playing for the Brooklyn Nets. He emphasizes the importance of being selfless and not making everything about oneself, instead of prioritizing winning. As a leader, he hopes to lead positively and help his team succeed. He also stresses the importance of winning for every player's career and the fact that when you win, everyone on the team benefits and gets paid. He goes on to discuss how some players strategically choose their career paths while others only chase money.
In this section, Mikal Bridges talks about the balance between the desire to win and earning a good salary. He mentions that as players get older and more experienced, they understand the importance of joining a winning team and getting paid fairly. Bridges also credits his teammates, Devin Booker and Chris Paul, for helping him develop his offensive skills and improving his game. He then discusses his move from Phoenix to Brooklyn and how he always wanted to live in New York City. Despite missing his home in Arizona, he is excited to be playing in a bigger market and living in a city he has always loved.
In this section, Mikal Bridges discusses the challenges of living in New York, particularly the cost of living, and how it differs from Phoenix, where the apartments are much more spacious. He also talks about managing distractions in a big market like New York and how he deals with criticism from the media. Mikal says he doesn't mind being criticized, but he challenges his critics to come play one-on-one with him before they judge him.
In this section, Mikal Bridges discusses his predictions for the NBA playoffs and teams left in the Conference Finals. On the east side, he believes that Boston and Miami will be in a big dog fight, saying that he is excited about this battle. On the other side, Bridges argues that while he used to not like the Lakers being on Phoenix, he thinks the team has gotten much better. However, he acknowledges that Denver could be a tough team, highlighting the importance of Jokic's scoring mindset. When asked who the coldest thing still playing is, Bridges believes it's Tatum in Boston and that no one can guard him. He also mentions AD's craftiness and Jimmy Butler's current performance.
In this section, Mikal Bridges is asked about his opinion on Monty Williams and the Phoenix Suns' coaching staff, specifically on Williams' firing from the New Orleans Pelicans despite his being a great coach and a great person. Bridges comments on Williams' character, his ability to overcome adversity, and his potential for future success with a new team. Despite acknowledging that he personally doesn't have the answers regarding Williams' situation, Bridges states that Williams is a great coach and that he believes Williams will do well wherever he lands.
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