Miles Bridges: I might return to Charlotte Hornets in March

After winning 43 games last season, the Charlotte Hornets appeared well on their way to becoming a contender in 2023. But then Miles Bridges, the team’s leading scorer, wound up getting into serious legal trouble.

It was three months ago that Bridges officially pleaded no contest to a felony count where he was accused of injuring his child’s parent back in June when he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend in front of their two children.

Complicating matters even further is the fact that Bridges was headed into restricted free agency last offseason, where many had projected the scoring swingman to receive a max-level contract. But, obviously, legal issues got in the way.

Bridges has sat out the entire season, while the Hornets have struggled to the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference.

The last we heard from Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak indicated the NBA was conducting an investigation into Bridges’ actions. It’s possible Bridges could still be penalized by the Association.

Yet, the 24-year-old recently told the Associated Press that he could return to the NBA before the season is through.

“It’s been a long process. I might be back in March.”
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges on a potential return to NBA

If Bridges did somehow return by March 1, there would still be 19 games left on the Hornets’ schedule, giving him plenty of time to get back into the swing of things. Yet, Charlotte may ultimately prefer their starting small forward stays away, both in an attempt to increase their odds in the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery but also to continue gaining information about Bridges’ situation, both legally and with the NBA.

Bridges averaged 20.2 points per game in a breakout season in 2021-22. The Hornets have gone from having the league’s fourth-highest scoring offense to one that ranks 23rd heading into Sunday night’s action. There’s little doubt he’s talented, but the off-court baggage is certainly something to sift through.