Miles Bridges Enters Year Two as Phoenix's Efficiency Wing

The Role. Bridges returns as the forward scoring next to Booker without needing the ball in his hands. He played 77 games and 31.0 minutes a night last season, third on the roster in scoring behind Booker and Brooks.

Last Season's Line. He posted 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists a game, hitting 46.0 percent of his attempts overall. He put up 5.8 threes a night and connected at a 33.3 percent clip, with an 82.2 percent free-throw mark that says his shot is trustworthy late in games.

What Stands Out. Efficiency outran volume: a 57.0 true shooting number and a 118.3 offensive rating came attached to just a 22.1 percent usage rate. Phoenix scored well with Bridges on the floor without needing him to dominate touches to do it.

Defense And Net Swing. His defensive rating sat at 114.8, and the net swing landed at plus-3.5, the best mark among the Suns' rotation forwards. A 9.2 percent rebound rate and 15.4 percent assist rate round out a forward who fills gaps rather than forcing shots.

Contract. Bridges is set to earn $22.8 million in 2026-27, the third-highest figure on the roster behind Booker and Green, inside a Suns payroll of $216.2 million that sits above the first tax apron.

Health. Bridges is not on Phoenix's injury report, a contrast to Mark Williams and Duop Reath, both sidelined as camp opened. He is ready to play when the preseason starts.

The Verdict. Valley of the Suns reported that Bridges' commitment to defense could help Jalen Green keep his starting spot, the exact two-way habit Phoenix needs from him: efficient scoring at low usage, rebounding from the forward spot, and enough defense to hold the wing rotation together with Williams out.