PHOTO | TROY HULL

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges is putting up career numbers in scoring, rebounding, and shooting percentage in his fourth season, generating buzz for a most improved player campaign.

Miles Bridges is on track to get paid at season’s end.

The Hornets forward bet on himself to have a huge campaign in his fourth NBA season, and it’s paying off in a big way with Bridges posting career highs in several categories to become a serious contender for the most improved player award. It might be a stretch to generate consideration for an All-Star berth, Bridges is certainly important to the Hornets’ improvement. Here’s why Bridges will likely be due some very handsome compensation come the offseason:

Best ability is availability
Before missing a pair of games last month due to health and safety protocols, Bridges played in every game. That kind of productivity over a prolonged period means he can be counted on to be an asset for the Hornets, who are 19-18 going into Monday’s game at Washington in the second game of a back-to-back.

“I’m good,” Bridges said after Sunday’s 133-99 loss to Phoenix, his first game out of protocols. “I got some exercise in at the crib. I was actually more energized than I thought I was going to be. I thought I was going to be a little bit more tired than I was. I played 25 minutes. I felt good out there.”

Making buckets and boards
Bridges is tied for the team lead in scoring with LaMelo Ball at 19.7 points per game, tops in shooting percentage among starters at 47.2% and has the most rebounds with 246 – all career bests at this point in the season. Pretty good for a guy who was primarily used as a high-end role player before this season.

Despite missing more than a week, Bridges managed 10 points, three assists and three rebounds against the Suns – hardly enough to swing the outcome, but a start in building back some continuity as a player and a team that’s been dealing with COVID-19 protocols across the rotation.

“Yeah, just trying to get into a rhythm,” he said. “We have a great offense, so just me coming back, it changes some things. I just want to get adjusted. We need to get back to how we were playing when I wasn’t out there. Just trying to get back in the flow.”

First in flight
You can’t underestimate the entertainment value of a player like Bridges, who can create momentum on both ends of the floor, whether it’s a dunk or blocking shots. While Ball is the Hornet who draws the national media attention, a lot of it is generated by getting the ball to Bridges, whose rousing dunks can inspire a team or demoralize an opponent.

It’s also worth noting Bridges averages a career-best 3.1 points per game off turnovers, an indication that he’s getting out in the transition to offense after Charlotte forces an error. Layups and dunks are the easiest shots to make and an indication that the Hornets need good defense to be successful.

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