March 27, 2025 • 15 mins
Hornets star Miles Bridges joins Sam Farber to discuss his connection with LaMelo Ball and the Hornets fan base!
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to the Hornets Hoodcast, presented by Charlotte I ear
nosen Throat Associates, the official I ear nosen throatcare provider
of the Charlotte Hornets. Here's your host, Sam Farber.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to another edition of the Hornets Podcast, your Hornets
Podcast with all the notes, quotes, and daily buzz around
your favorite NBA team. I'm Sam Farber and it is
a pleasure and a privilege have you with us here
once again on the Hornets iide Cast, brought to you
by Santa Charlotte I ear Nose and Throat Associates, the
official I ear nosen throacare provider of the Charlotte Hornets.
It's an off day for the Hornets, but never an
(00:34):
off day here on the HHC. We've got a special
guest for you today, our final least based off the
schedule in person player interview of the twenty four to
twenty five season, and we've got maybe the most exciting player,
most consistent player of the campaign with us today. Miles
Bridges has had a career year in many respects, and
(00:55):
he has led this team throughout the season to some
of its biggest moment. We're going to talk about some
of his highlight plays, his connection with his teammate LaMelo Ball,
and his connection to the fans of the Charlotte Hornets. Now,
without further ado, let's welcome back here to the Hornet
Time Cast, Miles Bridges. Miles, thanks so much for joining us.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
Thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
It's been an up and down season for the team. Statistically,
for you, for a lot of your teammates, it's been
an exemplary season. How would you evaluate the twenty four
to twenty five campaign for you and the Hornets?
Speaker 4 (01:26):
Well, for the team, you know, I always want to
do better. You know, I always want to win more games.
But it's hard when you don't have your full roster
most of the year. But for me, you know, I
always feel like his room for improvement. You know, I
want to improve my defense. I feel like I've done
that in some ways, so I try to focus on
something new every year.
Speaker 5 (01:45):
In terms of the positive.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Statistically, highest points per game average of your career, highest
rebounds per game average of your career, higas assists per
game average of your career, all while at different times, albeit,
LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams and Brandon Miller have similarly
shown big jumps.
Speaker 5 (02:02):
What has been the key to.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Improving your personal output while working alongside them helping them
do the same.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
You know, Melo, he caused a lot of gravity, Brandon
caused a lot of gravity, and Mark. I know how
to play with Mark, so you know, it's just us
learning how to play together. And when those guys are injured,
like I have a heavier low, you know, so I
just learned how to work with that.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
With all that individual progress, what's the next step for
the group?
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Staying healthy?
Speaker 4 (02:32):
I know, I know it's like a reoccurring thing, but
I feel like we stay healthy than that, that will
make up for a lot of things.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
It's also in many ways a new regime, new resources
for you and the players on the floor. You've got
Charles Lee and his staff knew this season. Jeff Peterson
in the front office. They came in midway or a
little past midway last season, but it's their first full
year at the helm of the organization. And then Rick
Snall and Gay Block and overseeing it all. There's still
about eighteen months in to their roles in the organization.
(03:02):
What stands out to you about the new management overall
and how it's all coming together.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
Just how engaged they are with everything, you know, even
like the smallest things like the charity events and you
know practice like showed up to every practice, like the
owners of being there, Jeff for being there, Ryan and
those guys. So just them being involved, just seeing them around,
seeing their faces is really you know, pleasing to us,
and them showing that they care.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
How important is that for you as a player or
someone who's been in this community for a long time.
To see that buy in and that investment of time
and resources.
Speaker 4 (03:35):
It makes you want to go hard, you know, just
to see how much they care about the team. It
makes you want to win more games. You know, they're
putting all their money into this organization, so we have
to reward them in some way. So I feel like
us winning more games would be us rewarding them.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
One thing that has stood out to many people in
the organization, your teammates, your coaches about you is the
development of you as a leader.
Speaker 5 (03:56):
How do you try and lead this team on and
off the court.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
I just want to be consistent, That's my main thing.
You know, it's easy to be a leader when when
you're winning, But when you're winning in you're losing, and
you know it is night and day. So you just
want to be you want to be consistent. I want
to be the same same guy whether we're winning or
we're losing, you know, positive, keeping everybody going, because that's
what the team needs.
Speaker 5 (04:18):
A couple of the quotes from your teammager coaches.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Musa said earlier this month, I'm not gonna lie Miles
has been incredible. He's been doing everything for us when
it comes to scoring, passing the ball, playing defense, and.
Speaker 5 (04:30):
Even being a leader.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
What does it mean to you when one of the
younger guys, someone who's fairly new still to the city
and the organization, has that to say about you.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
Mosta said that that's crazy. Uh, mostly don't never got
nothing good to say about me. But you know, I
just try to stay after him. You know, I see,
I see a lot in Musa. He's been great for
us all year as well. So I just like to
stay on those type of players that have that drive,
that energy and the winning is to win.
Speaker 5 (04:56):
You know.
Speaker 4 (04:57):
He never he never tries to take a game off,
take a playoff, and that's what I.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Love about him.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
He even said it in March from the Michigan Michigan
State thing is really at its height. You're obviously an
example for him in terms of what the leader is.
Speaker 5 (05:10):
Who was an example for you.
Speaker 4 (05:12):
When I first got here, I say, Marvin Williams was
he was like the main leader of the team.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
And then Kimba Kimba, he was the star player and
the leader.
Speaker 4 (05:20):
So those two guys when I when I first got here,
they really took me underneath their wing and they helped
me like learn how it is to be a professional.
You know, kim but he's an all star guard, and
then Marvin's just one of the best teammates ever, and
Kimba was the best teammate ever. So you know, just
being me getting drafted here, being underneath those guys.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
Was like a blessing in disguise for me.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Anything in particular they did that you try and replicate.
Speaker 4 (05:42):
Now, well, Marv'll he'll like to wait like when we
get back from road trips, just to see if the
rookies need a ride home or anything. So that's something
I just learned just off the court. You know, it
doesn't have to be just leadership on the court. Off
the court, Like one time I didn't have a ride
and he was the last one there. I was about
to call it uber and he just took me home,
you know, and that just meant a lot to me,
(06:02):
and that always stuck with me. And then Kimball when
I first got to Charlotte the first day, he texts
me like, YO, come over my house. You know, I'll
go to his house. He got a big pull, a
big backyard with a hoop. You know, we're just kicking it,
you know, And that just shows like they're regular people too,
and that's what I want to show that, like rookies
coming in, like there's not no celebrity stuff. You know,
(06:23):
we all got the same job. We're all here together.
So that was something big for.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Me, Ken, but now part of the coaching staff. Your
head coach Charles Lee had similar things to say about
you and your leadership. He said, I think Miles just
personally has taken it upon himself to spark our team
with his energy, with his effort, with his communication, and
it's just another example of his leadership taking another step.
We know the challenges that the team has hit this season,
(06:48):
but to hear that kind of praise from your coach
and see what he sees in you, what does that
mean for you and this team moving forward.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
It just gives me all the confidence in a row.
When your coach has that type of confidence you and
he sees your work every day, that helps you keep going.
You know, it's a tough business to NBA. You know,
people are in and out. You lose teammates every year.
So just for coach to have that type of confidence
in me and keeps me going.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Miles Bridges our guest today here on The Hornet Podcast.
We want to talk about some of the fun plays
that you've had, not just this season, but over the
course of your career, going right back to the start.
We saw your connection with LaMelo Ball on the floor.
When did you realize you had this special connection we're
able to do plays like these.
Speaker 4 (07:35):
Yeah, it's like preseason, preseason of Mellow's rookie or my
third year. Like in practice, we kept like finding each
other because we both were coming off the bench at
the time, so like we were just finding each other
over and over again off lives or me finding them
for a three So yeah, that that type of connection
has been there, you know, and he's been a close
(07:55):
friend and brother to me ever since.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
We knew from the start it was going to be
a special connection, and you guys have continued to further that.
Is there anything different today or over the years, either
adding things or obviously there's father time involved. Maybe you
feel your game has changed a little bit from those
initial times running with LaMelo.
Speaker 5 (08:18):
But how has the connection changed.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
I think it's the same or has even got better,
you know. It just we haven't had that much time
on the court together due to injuries. But whenever we
play together, it's always a good connection.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
You know.
Speaker 4 (08:30):
I learn more about his game every day, you know,
and I feel like it kind of feels weird when
I'm not on the court playing with mellow, you know,
because we just know each other so well on and
off the court. So yeah, it gets better every year
and every day.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
When you see something like this play here where LaMelo's
coming down on a fast break, he could lay up himself,
but he's thrown it through his legs for you, or
he spots you from mid court and you instantly both
know exactly what to do.
Speaker 5 (08:58):
How do you explain that?
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Are my eye contact top thing? You know?
Speaker 4 (09:02):
He told me, like anytime we catch the eye contact
and you look up at the rim, I'm throwing the ball.
And that's what type of guy he is is. You know,
just if he has a layup, he's a winning passing guy.
He's a team guy. He wants to see his teams
to see more than himself, you know. So if he
has a layup or say somebody's hot, he wants to
keep going to him or pass them the ball. So
(09:22):
that's just what type of point guard Mellow is and
that's why everybody loves him.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
For you guys in particular, that connection even extends off
the court. I think you've started wearing more and more
of his clothing brand as well.
Speaker 4 (09:32):
Yeah, I think I think I'm a Lefronce model right now.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
You know, I think I'm up for that modeling gig
right now.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Well, in addition to the connection you have with LaMelo,
you've also taken a step forward and being one of
the top targets and top playmakers and in the game situation.
So I want to go through to your biggest plays
of the year and get your your take on them.
First off, we've got you and the Hornets versus the
San Antonio Spurs victor women.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
I'ma was on the.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Floor at that point still and you're coming down to
the wire, team needing a bucket take us through that
last second play.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
It was another connection thing with Mellow, you know, because
I know that he has so much gravity on the court.
So I told him, like, when you drive, bro, you know,
everybody's gonna be looking at you. So I'm gonna be
open in the corner. And he found me, you know, so.
Speaker 5 (10:20):
He said he told you he was shooting it.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Yeah, he told me he was shooting.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
And that's what I told him, Like, everybody's gonna think
you're shooting it, So I'm gonna be opening in the corner.
And then we said that in the time out, so
I was just ready to shoot it from the jump when.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
It was all sudden done.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
You can see the crowd reaction there and you hyping
them up. You've been through the NBA in COVID seasons
where there was no one in the building. What does
it mean to you to have these moments now?
Speaker 4 (10:44):
Yeah, it means a lot, you know, especially you know
we were having like I wouldn't say I losing season,
but a season that hasn't gone our way. You know,
just seeing the crowd show up every game, you know,
it means something to me and It makes me want
to help this help this city improve, you know, and
haven't winning basketball club, you know, because they deserve it.
(11:08):
But you know, I love playing in Charlotte and we're
gonna continue to have those moments for sure.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
It's not just the offense. You've had a defensive game
winner as well. The game against Brooklyn down to the wire,
you're up one less than eight seconds left.
Speaker 5 (11:20):
Take us through this play.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
Uh, we really were supposed to file when when the
ball first got in. But you know, Damien, he he
tried to file him but he missed. So and I
knew camp Thomas wasn't passing the ball, you know, he
loves to shoot. But that's that's what I made my play.
You know, it was just it was just an instinct,
you know, just reading the game. But I think I
like that that played better than the offensive play. Why'd
(11:44):
you like that one better? Because my whole career, everybody
eve been saying I don't play defense. So you know,
I'm trying to prove people wrong and show him I
could be a good two way player.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
I think you took care of it right there with
the block, preserving the win for the Hornets, And then
what do you remember the crowd reaction in that moment.
Speaker 5 (11:59):
What did you hear?
Speaker 2 (12:00):
What did you feel as you made that block and
made that recovery?
Speaker 4 (12:04):
Moris I was I didn't really hear the crowd that much.
I just heard Charles yelling, you know, because he was like, ah,
good block. But it was you know, it was good,
you know, because we're down that whole game. We had
lost to Brooklyn three times already. We didn't want to
lose again. So that was a big play for me.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Knowing the circumstances of the season. Are you are impressed?
What are your thoughts your feelings seeing the crowd out
there packing the house night after night supporting this team.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
Yeah, like I said before, Charlotte was just a great city.
Speaker 4 (12:34):
And you see a lot of cities when their team
isn't doing as well, the crowd they don't come out.
But you know, I bet tonight's going to be a
packed crowd and the rest of our home game is going.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
To be packed.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
So I'm happy for that. And like I said, I
love this city and I love these fans.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
You can feel the appreciation you have for your fans,
and it's not just out there on the floor.
Speaker 5 (12:55):
On game day.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Even go to social media and you're interacting with some
of our strongest fans, including Sombrero man here.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
Yeah, that's a super fan right there.
Speaker 4 (13:04):
He's at all the games, Like I seen him at
all the games ever since I was a rookie, you know.
So I had to give Miss Flowers because you know,
people think that stuff goes and noticed, but it doesn't,
especially with us. You know, we we see fans all
the time, but when you see the same fans over
and over again, you're like, dang, they really support us.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
So I just wanted to give Miss Flowers right there.
Speaker 5 (13:23):
Well, we have one.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Last surprise for you because that appreciation that you have
for him and he has for you, you can feel that
strong connection.
Speaker 5 (13:31):
Yeah, so we've got one more surprise.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Here to help you appreciate all of your fans, okay,
and have them appreciate you as well. We have our
special guest here, I think we do. Welcome to the
Hornet Tide Cast. We got a friend for you.
Speaker 5 (13:46):
What's up, man?
Speaker 3 (13:48):
You're good? Good man?
Speaker 4 (13:50):
You coming to the game tonight? Okay for sure? Man,
We was just talking about you on the screen.
Speaker 5 (13:58):
Oh lord, Oh that's nice.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
See you got stuff from my rookie year. That's crazy. Yes, sir,
appreciate you. Man, I've been good. I'm good. I'm gonna
see you tonight.
Speaker 5 (14:09):
Absolutely, dude.
Speaker 2 (14:10):
I've just brought up what you're doing with them, all
those amazing gumpanies.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
Yeah, I appreciate that. Thank you.
Speaker 5 (14:16):
Also for you know everybody, Oh for.
Speaker 3 (14:19):
Sure, Yeah, for sure. I appreciate your support.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
Man.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
It never goes un noticed. Many appreciate it, yes, sir.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
So lastly, to wrap it up, you know, we're in
the fan business. What what does it mean to you
to have those kinds of connections.
Speaker 4 (14:34):
I mean, that's what it's about, man, you know, just
building relationships in your community and to have that same
love giving back to you.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
It means a lot. Man.
Speaker 4 (14:42):
That's why I love the city of Charlotte, and that's
why I love playing here.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
Man.
Speaker 5 (14:46):
Only a few more home games left for the season.
Anything special plan for them.
Speaker 4 (14:49):
Just some wins, you know, we want to want to
get some good wins for the for the crowd, and
for the city of Charlotte.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
It's a good way to end it. Miles Bridges, thanks
so much for drug us again here on the Hornet Podcast.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
Yeah, thank you.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
That's gonna do it for this Jepard Piso of the
Hornets timee Cast. Tomorrow we get back to game preview
mode and we'll be rolling on throughout the end of
the season with both.
Speaker 5 (15:08):
Game previews and reviews.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
From here on out, of course, we'll have a busy
summer for you, looking ahead to the twenty twenty five
NBA Draft, Summer League and then the new season ahead.
We thank Miles Bridges for spending so much of his
time with us here today on the HHC. Thanks to
our producer Rob Longo for putting this podcast together.
Speaker 5 (15:27):
Most of all, thanks to all of you for tuning in.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
All right now, with thanks to everyone for tuning in,
I'm Sam Farmer saying it's been a pleasure and a
privilege having you along. We will talk to you next
time right here on the Hornets iimeecast.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
Thank you for listening to the Hornets Podcast, brought to
you by Santa, the official i ear Nosen Throatcare provider
of the Charnotte Hornets. For more coverage, visit Hornets dot com.
Welcome to the Hornets Hoodcast, presented by Charlotte I ear
nosen Throat Associates, the official I ear nosen throatcare provider
of the Charlotte Hornets. Here's your host, Sam Farber.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to another edition of the Hornets Podcast, your Hornets
Podcast with all the notes, quotes, and daily buzz around
your favorite NBA team. I'm Sam Farber and it is
a pleasure and a privilege have you with us here
once again on the Hornets iide Cast, brought to you
by Santa Charlotte I ear Nose and Throat Associates, the
official I ear nosen throacare provider of the Charlotte Hornets.
It's an off day for the Hornets, but never an
(00:34):
off day here on the HHC. We've got a special
guest for you today, our final least based off the
schedule in person player interview of the twenty four to
twenty five season, and we've got maybe the most exciting player,
most consistent player of the campaign with us today. Miles
Bridges has had a career year in many respects, and
(00:55):
he has led this team throughout the season to some
of its biggest moment. We're going to talk about some
of his highlight plays, his connection with his teammate LaMelo Ball,
and his connection to the fans of the Charlotte Hornets. Now,
without further ado, let's welcome back here to the Hornet
Time Cast, Miles Bridges. Miles, thanks so much for joining us.
Speaker 3 (01:14):
Thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
It's been an up and down season for the team. Statistically,
for you, for a lot of your teammates, it's been
an exemplary season. How would you evaluate the twenty four
to twenty five campaign for you and the Hornets?
Speaker 4 (01:26):
Well, for the team, you know, I always want to
do better. You know, I always want to win more games.
But it's hard when you don't have your full roster
most of the year. But for me, you know, I
always feel like his room for improvement. You know, I
want to improve my defense. I feel like I've done
that in some ways, so I try to focus on
something new every year.
Speaker 5 (01:45):
In terms of the positive.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
Statistically, highest points per game average of your career, highest
rebounds per game average of your career, higas assists per
game average of your career, all while at different times, albeit,
LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams and Brandon Miller have similarly
shown big jumps.
Speaker 5 (02:02):
What has been the key to.
Speaker 2 (02:04):
Improving your personal output while working alongside them helping them
do the same.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
You know, Melo, he caused a lot of gravity, Brandon
caused a lot of gravity, and Mark. I know how
to play with Mark, so you know, it's just us
learning how to play together. And when those guys are injured,
like I have a heavier low, you know, so I
just learned how to work with that.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
With all that individual progress, what's the next step for
the group?
Speaker 3 (02:31):
Staying healthy?
Speaker 4 (02:32):
I know, I know it's like a reoccurring thing, but
I feel like we stay healthy than that, that will
make up for a lot of things.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
It's also in many ways a new regime, new resources
for you and the players on the floor. You've got
Charles Lee and his staff knew this season. Jeff Peterson
in the front office. They came in midway or a
little past midway last season, but it's their first full
year at the helm of the organization. And then Rick
Snall and Gay Block and overseeing it all. There's still
about eighteen months in to their roles in the organization.
(03:02):
What stands out to you about the new management overall
and how it's all coming together.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
Just how engaged they are with everything, you know, even
like the smallest things like the charity events and you
know practice like showed up to every practice, like the
owners of being there, Jeff for being there, Ryan and
those guys. So just them being involved, just seeing them around,
seeing their faces is really you know, pleasing to us,
and them showing that they care.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
How important is that for you as a player or
someone who's been in this community for a long time.
To see that buy in and that investment of time
and resources.
Speaker 4 (03:35):
It makes you want to go hard, you know, just
to see how much they care about the team. It
makes you want to win more games. You know, they're
putting all their money into this organization, so we have
to reward them in some way. So I feel like
us winning more games would be us rewarding them.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
One thing that has stood out to many people in
the organization, your teammates, your coaches about you is the
development of you as a leader.
Speaker 5 (03:56):
How do you try and lead this team on and
off the court.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
I just want to be consistent, That's my main thing.
You know, it's easy to be a leader when when
you're winning, But when you're winning in you're losing, and
you know it is night and day. So you just
want to be you want to be consistent. I want
to be the same same guy whether we're winning or
we're losing, you know, positive, keeping everybody going, because that's
what the team needs.
Speaker 5 (04:18):
A couple of the quotes from your teammager coaches.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Musa said earlier this month, I'm not gonna lie Miles
has been incredible. He's been doing everything for us when
it comes to scoring, passing the ball, playing defense, and.
Speaker 5 (04:30):
Even being a leader.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
What does it mean to you when one of the
younger guys, someone who's fairly new still to the city
and the organization, has that to say about you.
Speaker 4 (04:39):
Mosta said that that's crazy. Uh, mostly don't never got
nothing good to say about me. But you know, I
just try to stay after him. You know, I see,
I see a lot in Musa. He's been great for
us all year as well. So I just like to
stay on those type of players that have that drive,
that energy and the winning is to win.
Speaker 5 (04:56):
You know.
Speaker 4 (04:57):
He never he never tries to take a game off,
take a playoff, and that's what I.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Love about him.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
He even said it in March from the Michigan Michigan
State thing is really at its height. You're obviously an
example for him in terms of what the leader is.
Speaker 5 (05:10):
Who was an example for you.
Speaker 4 (05:12):
When I first got here, I say, Marvin Williams was
he was like the main leader of the team.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
And then Kimba Kimba, he was the star player and
the leader.
Speaker 4 (05:20):
So those two guys when I when I first got here,
they really took me underneath their wing and they helped
me like learn how it is to be a professional.
You know, kim but he's an all star guard, and
then Marvin's just one of the best teammates ever, and
Kimba was the best teammate ever. So you know, just
being me getting drafted here, being underneath those guys.
Speaker 3 (05:37):
Was like a blessing in disguise for me.
Speaker 2 (05:39):
Anything in particular they did that you try and replicate.
Speaker 4 (05:42):
Now, well, Marv'll he'll like to wait like when we
get back from road trips, just to see if the
rookies need a ride home or anything. So that's something
I just learned just off the court. You know, it
doesn't have to be just leadership on the court. Off
the court, Like one time I didn't have a ride
and he was the last one there. I was about
to call it uber and he just took me home,
you know, and that just meant a lot to me,
(06:02):
and that always stuck with me. And then Kimball when
I first got to Charlotte the first day, he texts
me like, YO, come over my house. You know, I'll
go to his house. He got a big pull, a
big backyard with a hoop. You know, we're just kicking it,
you know, And that just shows like they're regular people too,
and that's what I want to show that, like rookies
coming in, like there's not no celebrity stuff. You know,
(06:23):
we all got the same job. We're all here together.
So that was something big for.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Me, Ken, but now part of the coaching staff. Your
head coach Charles Lee had similar things to say about
you and your leadership. He said, I think Miles just
personally has taken it upon himself to spark our team
with his energy, with his effort, with his communication, and
it's just another example of his leadership taking another step.
We know the challenges that the team has hit this season,
(06:48):
but to hear that kind of praise from your coach
and see what he sees in you, what does that
mean for you and this team moving forward.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
It just gives me all the confidence in a row.
When your coach has that type of confidence you and
he sees your work every day, that helps you keep going.
You know, it's a tough business to NBA. You know,
people are in and out. You lose teammates every year.
So just for coach to have that type of confidence
in me and keeps me going.
Speaker 2 (07:16):
Miles Bridges our guest today here on The Hornet Podcast.
We want to talk about some of the fun plays
that you've had, not just this season, but over the
course of your career, going right back to the start.
We saw your connection with LaMelo Ball on the floor.
When did you realize you had this special connection we're
able to do plays like these.
Speaker 4 (07:35):
Yeah, it's like preseason, preseason of Mellow's rookie or my
third year. Like in practice, we kept like finding each
other because we both were coming off the bench at
the time, so like we were just finding each other
over and over again off lives or me finding them
for a three So yeah, that that type of connection
has been there, you know, and he's been a close
(07:55):
friend and brother to me ever since.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
We knew from the start it was going to be
a special connection, and you guys have continued to further that.
Is there anything different today or over the years, either
adding things or obviously there's father time involved. Maybe you
feel your game has changed a little bit from those
initial times running with LaMelo.
Speaker 5 (08:18):
But how has the connection changed.
Speaker 4 (08:21):
I think it's the same or has even got better,
you know. It just we haven't had that much time
on the court together due to injuries. But whenever we
play together, it's always a good connection.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
You know.
Speaker 4 (08:30):
I learn more about his game every day, you know,
and I feel like it kind of feels weird when
I'm not on the court playing with mellow, you know,
because we just know each other so well on and
off the court. So yeah, it gets better every year
and every day.
Speaker 2 (08:44):
When you see something like this play here where LaMelo's
coming down on a fast break, he could lay up himself,
but he's thrown it through his legs for you, or
he spots you from mid court and you instantly both
know exactly what to do.
Speaker 5 (08:58):
How do you explain that?
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Are my eye contact top thing? You know?
Speaker 4 (09:02):
He told me, like anytime we catch the eye contact
and you look up at the rim, I'm throwing the ball.
And that's what type of guy he is is. You know,
just if he has a layup, he's a winning passing guy.
He's a team guy. He wants to see his teams
to see more than himself, you know. So if he
has a layup or say somebody's hot, he wants to
keep going to him or pass them the ball. So
(09:22):
that's just what type of point guard Mellow is and
that's why everybody loves him.
Speaker 2 (09:25):
For you guys in particular, that connection even extends off
the court. I think you've started wearing more and more
of his clothing brand as well.
Speaker 4 (09:32):
Yeah, I think I think I'm a Lefronce model right now.
Speaker 3 (09:35):
You know, I think I'm up for that modeling gig
right now.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Well, in addition to the connection you have with LaMelo,
you've also taken a step forward and being one of
the top targets and top playmakers and in the game situation.
So I want to go through to your biggest plays
of the year and get your your take on them.
First off, we've got you and the Hornets versus the
San Antonio Spurs victor women.
Speaker 5 (10:00):
I'ma was on the.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Floor at that point still and you're coming down to
the wire, team needing a bucket take us through that
last second play.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
It was another connection thing with Mellow, you know, because
I know that he has so much gravity on the court.
So I told him, like, when you drive, bro, you know,
everybody's gonna be looking at you. So I'm gonna be
open in the corner. And he found me, you know, so.
Speaker 5 (10:20):
He said he told you he was shooting it.
Speaker 3 (10:23):
Yeah, he told me he was shooting.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
And that's what I told him, Like, everybody's gonna think
you're shooting it, So I'm gonna be opening in the corner.
And then we said that in the time out, so
I was just ready to shoot it from the jump when.
Speaker 5 (10:32):
It was all sudden done.
Speaker 2 (10:34):
You can see the crowd reaction there and you hyping
them up. You've been through the NBA in COVID seasons
where there was no one in the building. What does
it mean to you to have these moments now?
Speaker 4 (10:44):
Yeah, it means a lot, you know, especially you know
we were having like I wouldn't say I losing season,
but a season that hasn't gone our way. You know,
just seeing the crowd show up every game, you know,
it means something to me and It makes me want
to help this help this city improve, you know, and
haven't winning basketball club, you know, because they deserve it.
(11:08):
But you know, I love playing in Charlotte and we're
gonna continue to have those moments for sure.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
It's not just the offense. You've had a defensive game
winner as well. The game against Brooklyn down to the wire,
you're up one less than eight seconds left.
Speaker 5 (11:20):
Take us through this play.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
Uh, we really were supposed to file when when the
ball first got in. But you know, Damien, he he
tried to file him but he missed. So and I
knew camp Thomas wasn't passing the ball, you know, he
loves to shoot. But that's that's what I made my play.
You know, it was just it was just an instinct,
you know, just reading the game. But I think I
like that that played better than the offensive play. Why'd
(11:44):
you like that one better? Because my whole career, everybody
eve been saying I don't play defense. So you know,
I'm trying to prove people wrong and show him I
could be a good two way player.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
I think you took care of it right there with
the block, preserving the win for the Hornets, And then
what do you remember the crowd reaction in that moment.
Speaker 5 (11:59):
What did you hear?
Speaker 2 (12:00):
What did you feel as you made that block and
made that recovery?
Speaker 4 (12:04):
Moris I was I didn't really hear the crowd that much.
I just heard Charles yelling, you know, because he was like, ah,
good block. But it was you know, it was good,
you know, because we're down that whole game. We had
lost to Brooklyn three times already. We didn't want to
lose again. So that was a big play for me.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
Knowing the circumstances of the season. Are you are impressed?
What are your thoughts your feelings seeing the crowd out
there packing the house night after night supporting this team.
Speaker 3 (12:31):
Yeah, like I said before, Charlotte was just a great city.
Speaker 4 (12:34):
And you see a lot of cities when their team
isn't doing as well, the crowd they don't come out.
But you know, I bet tonight's going to be a
packed crowd and the rest of our home game is going.
Speaker 3 (12:45):
To be packed.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
So I'm happy for that. And like I said, I
love this city and I love these fans.
Speaker 2 (12:50):
You can feel the appreciation you have for your fans,
and it's not just out there on the floor.
Speaker 5 (12:55):
On game day.
Speaker 2 (12:56):
Even go to social media and you're interacting with some
of our strongest fans, including Sombrero man here.
Speaker 3 (13:03):
Yeah, that's a super fan right there.
Speaker 4 (13:04):
He's at all the games, Like I seen him at
all the games ever since I was a rookie, you know.
So I had to give Miss Flowers because you know,
people think that stuff goes and noticed, but it doesn't,
especially with us. You know, we we see fans all
the time, but when you see the same fans over
and over again, you're like, dang, they really support us.
Speaker 3 (13:21):
So I just wanted to give Miss Flowers right there.
Speaker 5 (13:23):
Well, we have one.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Last surprise for you because that appreciation that you have
for him and he has for you, you can feel that
strong connection.
Speaker 5 (13:31):
Yeah, so we've got one more surprise.
Speaker 2 (13:33):
Here to help you appreciate all of your fans, okay,
and have them appreciate you as well. We have our
special guest here, I think we do. Welcome to the
Hornet Tide Cast. We got a friend for you.
Speaker 5 (13:46):
What's up, man?
Speaker 3 (13:48):
You're good? Good man?
Speaker 4 (13:50):
You coming to the game tonight? Okay for sure? Man,
We was just talking about you on the screen.
Speaker 5 (13:58):
Oh lord, Oh that's nice.
Speaker 4 (14:02):
See you got stuff from my rookie year. That's crazy. Yes, sir,
appreciate you. Man, I've been good. I'm good. I'm gonna
see you tonight.
Speaker 5 (14:09):
Absolutely, dude.
Speaker 2 (14:10):
I've just brought up what you're doing with them, all
those amazing gumpanies.
Speaker 3 (14:14):
Yeah, I appreciate that. Thank you.
Speaker 5 (14:16):
Also for you know everybody, Oh for.
Speaker 3 (14:19):
Sure, Yeah, for sure. I appreciate your support.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
Man.
Speaker 4 (14:21):
It never goes un noticed. Many appreciate it, yes, sir.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
So lastly, to wrap it up, you know, we're in
the fan business. What what does it mean to you
to have those kinds of connections.
Speaker 4 (14:34):
I mean, that's what it's about, man, you know, just
building relationships in your community and to have that same
love giving back to you.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
It means a lot. Man.
Speaker 4 (14:42):
That's why I love the city of Charlotte, and that's
why I love playing here.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
Man.
Speaker 5 (14:46):
Only a few more home games left for the season.
Anything special plan for them.
Speaker 4 (14:49):
Just some wins, you know, we want to want to
get some good wins for the for the crowd, and
for the city of Charlotte.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
It's a good way to end it. Miles Bridges, thanks
so much for drug us again here on the Hornet Podcast.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
Yeah, thank you.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
That's gonna do it for this Jepard Piso of the
Hornets timee Cast. Tomorrow we get back to game preview
mode and we'll be rolling on throughout the end of
the season with both.
Speaker 5 (15:08):
Game previews and reviews.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
From here on out, of course, we'll have a busy
summer for you, looking ahead to the twenty twenty five
NBA Draft, Summer League and then the new season ahead.
We thank Miles Bridges for spending so much of his
time with us here today on the HHC. Thanks to
our producer Rob Longo for putting this podcast together.
Speaker 5 (15:27):
Most of all, thanks to all of you for tuning in.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
All right now, with thanks to everyone for tuning in,
I'm Sam Farmer saying it's been a pleasure and a
privilege having you along. We will talk to you next
time right here on the Hornets iimeecast.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
Thank you for listening to the Hornets Podcast, brought to
you by Santa, the official i ear Nosen Throatcare provider
of the Charnotte Hornets. For more coverage, visit Hornets dot com.
Hosts And Creators
Sam Farber
Rob Longo
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