LaMelo Ball Hopes To Have Miles Bridges Back This Season

The 2022 NBA offseason was a rough one for the Charlotte Hornets. They had arguably the worst offseason of any franchise in the league as nothing went according to plan for them.

Steve Clifford is back for a second run as head coach, but only because Kenny Atkinson changed his mind after being the head coach for less than a week. He will return to the Golden State Warriors to be their lead assistant with Mike Brown taking over the Sacramento Kings.

Clifford will be coaching a roster that will likely be without one of their best players. Miles Bridges was charged with felony domestic violence and child abuse this offseason, putting his NBA career in jeopardy.

Coming off of a career season, Bridges set himself up for a massive payday this offseason. The restricted free agent put himself in a position to earn a max contract, providing the Hornets with a franchise building block along with All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball.

LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball & Charlotte Hornets Updates

Ball and Bridges were a lot of fun to watch on the court together. An elite playmaker getting in the open court with someone as athletic as Bridges led to plenty of highlights and Ball is hopeful that the two will be playing together again sooner than later.

During the team’s Media Day, Ball revealed that he has spoken with Bridges often and is hoping that he will be with the team this season.

Coach Clifford said he’s not able to speak on Miles Bridges’ status, citing the “legal situation”

Says his approach will be focusing on the players currently here, and ready to play.

LaMelo Ball said he’s spoken with Bridges’ often, hopes he’ll be with the team this season
— DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) September 26, 2022

Bridges’ court hearing was pushed until September 16th and he has pleaded not guilty to the charges. If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison as a maximum sentence. For now, the Hornets are monitoring the situation and there isn’t much that they can speak on given the legal situation.

LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball & Charlotte Hornets Updates

For now, Charlotte can only focus on the players that are on the roster and able to play. But, without Bridges, their future outlook is rather bleak as they aren’t good enough to contend in the Eastern Conference but aren’t bad enough to have good odds at landing a top pick.

Kenneth Teape

Kenneth Teape is an NBA Reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He covers all things across the league, including both news and editorial work. Make sure to follow Kenneth on Twitter at @teapester725.

Maxey And Embiid Lead Sixers To Dominant Win Over Heat

In a game characterized by dramatic shifts in momentum, the Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a critical 109-105 victory over the Miami Heat during Thursday’s NBA

Brunson And Hart Lead Knicks To Comeback Win Over Kings

In an impressive comeback during Thursday’s NBA action, the New York Knicks overturned a 21-point deficit to defeat the Sacramento Kings 120-109, breaking their three-game

Curry And Thompson Lead Warriors To Dominant Victory Over Rockets

The Golden State Warriors showcased their prowess during Thursday’s NBA action, achieving a season-high six-game winning streak by defeating the Houston Rockets 133-110. Steph Curry