Elite two-way wing whose defence, three-point shooting and winning mentality have made him one of the NBA's most coveted role players.
Mikal Bridges was born in Malvern, Pennsylvania on 30 August 1996. A long, athletic and defensively elite wing with a smooth offensive game, Bridges emerged from Villanova — where he won two NCAA championships — as the tenth pick of the 2018 NBA Draft. Phoenix quickly traded his rights to Suns, where he became a cornerstone of their resurgence. His offensive consistency improved each season and he became a reliable 20-point scorer, but his identity was always as an elite, versatile defender who could guard multiple positions. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023 in a blockbuster deal, then moved to the New York Knicks in 2024. His scoring and two-way profile make him a perennial All-Star candidate and one of the league's most complete wings.
Elite perimeter defense and three-point shooting
How They Played
Two-way wing with lockdown defense and reliable shooting
Lasting Impact
One of the NBA's premier 3-and-D wings and ironman
NCAA Champion 2016, 2018 (Villanova)
He won two NCAA Championships at Villanova (2016, 2018) and became one of the NBA's elite defensive wings, capable of guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player on any given night.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- NCAA Champion 2016, 2018 (Villanova)