According to sources, the Charlotte Hornets have placed forward Miles Bridges, who is a candidate for the Most Improved Player award, in the NBA’s health and safety protocols. He joins PJ Washington and Cody Martin, who are also in protocols and will all be sidelined for Monday night’s game against the Houston Rockets.
Embed from Getty ImagesBridges has elevated his play so far this season. He is averaging 19.7 points per-game, 7.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals, which are all career highs. The forward that can leap out of the gym, is second on the team in scoring and third in assist. Not having the services of Bridges is a huge, short-term blow for the Hornets.
Martin and Washington are key contributors off the bench, ranking sixth and seventh in minutes, respectively. After being a starter for the first few years of his career, Washington was moved to a bench role. He averages 10.9 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while making two threes per contest.
Martin is first on the team in 3-point percentage, (though he only attempts 2.3 triples per game), connecting on nearly 51% of his threes and averages 9.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
With these players out of action, the pressure really mounts for point guard LaMelo Ball. He has proven over the first two years of his career to be a strong leader for the Hornets. Ball is averaging 19.8 points, 8.0 assists, 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals. He leads the team in almost every statistical category, but that will now be put to the test. Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward and Kelly Oubre Jr. will all have expanded roles going forward.
Charlotte’s transition offense and being ranked 30th in defense has led to a .500 record of 17-17. They have been playing poorly as of late, posting a 4-7 record thus far in December. Losing one of their rising stars and two of their best bench players could not come at a worst time.
