During a recent pre-season NBA game, Phoenix Suns player Mikal Bridges brought up an offbeat request with New York Knicks coach, Tom Thibodeau. Bridges asked Thibodeau to lessen the playing time of the Knicks’ starters.
While this unusual request from one player to another team’s coach might seem out of place on the surface, it makes sense in the context of a pre-season game. By reducing the time that the main players are on the court, it provides opportunities for backups and young players to gain experience and show their skills.
Bridges, who was a standout at Villanova before being selected 10th overall by the Suns in the 2018 NBA draft, made his appeal directly to coach Thibodeau during the game. Thibodeau, known for his demanding coaching style and reputation for playing his starters heavy minutes, was likely surprised by the request.
In the end, it isn’t clear whether Thibodeau obliged Bridges’ request. The coaches’ record of frequent and substantial playing times for his starters suggests he might not have. Regardless, it does serve as an interesting insight into how players view preseason games and their overall approach to preparation for the forthcoming NBA season.
While the Knicks went on to win the game, Bridges’ unusual and surprising request highlights that for some players, the pre-season is viewed as a valuable opportunity to develop depth in their team rosters. This perspective is important, considering that the often gruelling 82-game regular NBA season is closely followed by the playoffs, where player stamina and roster depth can make a significant difference in a team’s success.
Last modified: March 13, 2025
