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NBA: Ranking the league’s best third options

By Hans Themistode

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Bulls 105-91.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in New York City. The Nets defeated the Bulls 105-91.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges, Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images /

NBA: Ranking the league’s best third options: 26. Mikal Bridges, Phoenix Suns

We know Deandre Ayton should be the pick here. He was after all the former number one overall pick and had himself a great year in the playoffs last season. But, we simply don’t view him as the third best scorer on the Phoenix Suns.

In short, the Suns big man may have an offensive game to speak of but he seldom receives the opportunity to spread his wings and show the world. Behind Devin Booker and Chris Paul, the Suns third primary scoring option is Mikal Bridges. The fourth-year small forward has gotten better and better each year in the scoring department. Currently, he’s averaging a career-high 14.8 points per game.

The most impressive thing about Bridges by far is his efficiency. He currently leads all small forwards in field goal percentage at 56.4%. Granted, if Bridges weren’t on a squad that featured Chris Paul, the ultimate pass-first point guard, we have a feeling that he wouldn’t be as successful.

Bridges has very little ability in terms of setting up shots for himself. If he isn’t in the perfect position to score the basketball, he isn’t likely to do so. So while he’s having a very good season, we don’t consider him one of the best third options in the NBA.