Kendrick Perkins equates Knicks’ $90.9 million star to Celtics PG – “Could be what Jrue Holiday is”
The New York Knicks face heightened expectations entering the 2024-25 NBA season after landing star wing Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. According to ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins, Bridges could make a Jrue Holiday-level impact in his first campaign with New York.
The Knicks are coming off their most successful season in over a decade, finishing second (50-32) in the Eastern Conference. The Jalen Brunson-led squad later came within one win of securing the franchise’s first conference finals berth since 2000.
New York ultimately succumbed to injury, falling in seven games to the Indiana Pacers in Round 2 of this year’s playoffs. However, it quickly reinforced its roster, adding Bridges via a blockbuster deal in early July.
Thus, many expect the new-look Knicks to be one of the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics’ premier East threats this upcoming season.
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On ESPN’s “NBA Today” Monday, Perkins was asked to predict which newly acquired player will “move the needle” the most. The one-time champion chose Bridges, citing his two-way versatility. Perkins likened his potential role with New York to Holiday’s in his first season with Boston.
“He could be what Jrue Holiday is for the Boston Celtics,” Perkins said. “That’s how elite this young man is on both ends of the floor.”
After being traded to the Celtics ahead of last season, Holiday made an instant impact as a playmaker, complementary scorer and perimeter defender. He was named to the 2024 NBA All-Defensive second team, later playing a pivotal part in Boston capturing its historic 18th title.
So, the Knicks will likely be thrilled if Bridges, who is still on his four-year, $90.9 million rookie contract extension, makes a similar Day 1 impact.
Over 82 games last season, Bridges averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.7 3-pointers per game, shooting 43.6% and 37.2% from 3.
Kendrick Perkins views Mikal Bridges as “All-Star-caliber player” ahead of Knicks debut
Despite being featured as Brooklyn’s primary scoring option the past season and a half, Bridges has never been named an All-Star. Nevertheless, Kendrick Perkins views the newly acquired Knick as an “All-Star-caliber player.”
While previewing Bridges’ debut season with New York, Perkins recounted how he thrived after being traded to the Nets midway through his fifth campaign (2022-23).
“Just remember a couple of seasons ago, he averaged 26 points. I know he only played about 27 games, but still, I’m at the point now where I don’t even look at Mikal Bridges as a role player,” Perkins said. “He’s a guy that’s an All-Star-caliber player, and I think that was the best addition this offseason.”
Bridges will likely face difficulty making his first All-Star team playing alongside stars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. However, if he can be a reliable secondary or tertiary scoring option, that could get the Knicks over the hump in the top-heavy East.
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