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By Anne Erickson
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The Phoenix Suns have lots of star power.
But, their question heading into the new season might not be about their top players. It's about how much Miles Bridges can change the identity of the team.
That makes him the x-factor.
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Phoenix brought in Bridges to add something the roster has been missing: more toughness, physicality and an overall presence that can make life uncomfortable for opponents. The scoring is part of the appeal, but the bigger impact could come from the way he changes the feel of games.
The Suns have had no shortage of talented offensive players. The tricky part has been finding the right balance around them. Adding Bridges gives Phoenix another player who can attack the basket, finish through contact and create extra possessions when things get difficult. And playoff basketball gets difficult.
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Head coach Jordan Ott now has the challenge of figuring out how Bridges fits alongside the returning core. Talent usually isn't the issue with teams like Phoenix. It's chemistry. It's spacing. It's knowing who takes over when the game slows down and every possession feels like a grind.
Bridges' role will be important because he can give the Suns a different look. He doesn't have to be the team's leading scorer to make a major impact. Sometimes the player who changes a season is the one who fills the gaps everyone else leaves behind.
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The Suns believe Bridges can be that player. If he settles in quickly and brings the physical edge the Suns are hoping for, he could turn a talented roster into a much tougher opponent.
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