Mikal Bridges on Tom Thibodeau's reputation: 'Who doesn't want to play all the time?' | Knicks | SNY

In his introductory news conference, Mikal Bridges spoke about his reaction to being traded to the Knicks, rejoining his Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart, and playing for Tom Thibodeau.
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[@JohnnyScumbagg]

36 year old life long Knicks fan here. Proud to see a day where players actually want to come and play here again. For a while that wasn’t the case. LFG NYK.

[@SteveUnderhill]

I’m 40. Feels like just when we got old enough to appreciate the team we had in the 90s the rug got pulled. Long time coming. LFGK

[@ps1hagrid84]

yep. especially the last 10 years. the dark ages.

[@Chozin1]

KD saying Knicks isn't cool ,lives with me forever

[@Rayheem]

Born in 1961 been a knick fan since 1973 and finally I think we have the team to win the championship again. I love the New York Knicks.

[@Dnero518]

Nice I hope we get to see it. Born 88 so it's been way more rocky roads then smooth sailing time. Dying to see the first one happen and it really does feel possible now. I wish I could've seen Walt and Earl the Pearl killing em back in the day in person. Even though our team kinda sucked in his days too i really wish I could've seen Bernard King putting in work live. I feel like hes my favorite Knick ever and I never saw him play but he looks like a straight warrior on tape. Like yeah my team sucks but u still gotta stop me to win so get ready lol.

[@hermanlee2002]

Refreshing to hear players like Bridges sayong he wanted to be here since 2018...lets go Knicks !!

[@HappyEddyMcGuire]

The player we all wanted actually happened. Right now is the best time ever to be a Knicks fan. In the 90s, always felt like we were missing a piece. But had mad hope. Don’t feel that with this team! Much Love

[@Chozin1]

I still feel like we are missing a center , I believe in mitches ability I don't believe in his availability. Mitch goes down and all of sudden this team becomes very small

[@HappyEddyMcGuire]

@Chozin1 Yup. I agree 💯! But I don't feel like that's a piece piece, ya know... I feel like we have the main pieces for once, but definitely needed. They will get someone, and I hope we also sign Precious. He is very underrated, plus he's from here in the BX. Peace

[@user-om9bj4rc1g]

6 years in and hasn't missed a game in all 82 , guy is a stud .

[@Alka-ow2bo]

Tbf he hasn't played under thibs yet.

[@jsarguitar]

with deep playoff runs!!!!

[@MrDayday4641]

He had an 83 game season.

[@AntMcQueen558]

Heard it's because he eats Chipotle so frequently.

[@Inserthouse]

True Iron Man 💪

[@BuiltbyJ11]

This season is going to go crazy!

[@Buddha_Approved]

What a mature man! Happy to see him excel! Welcome to the Knicks!

[@bart2923]

Glad to have this guy. We now have a decent backcourt duo of Brunson and Bridges.

[@bigcitydreamz4444]

Man last season backcourt did amazing

[@markkeats6302]

So delirious that we finally got Mikal. Lifelong Knicks fan 50+ years. Love his two way game & super young man. We should have drafted him originally. I can't wait to see Mikal & OG on court together. Defense is going to be off the chart. I would put our starting Five against anyone in NBA. Reincarnation of '69 & '73 Knicks. Opening season will not come fast enough. GO KNICKERBOCKERS!🏀 🏀

[@KennethLane90]

Everything happens for a reason. We may not have Brunson and company if we draft Mikal

[@Melbester9]

@KennethLane90 Actually yeah we would have. Brunson would have still left Dallas to come to NY even if Mark Cuban screwed him over in pay. By the time Leon Rose took over Steve Mills, Scott Perry and Phil Jackson in front office, they were on their way back with the rebuild. Eventually everyone would have been here.

[@jacinto-eh7oq]

With all the technology available to us you would think we would be able to hear the questions 😂

[@seanfrank32]

The Knicks and Jets are worth 12 billion dollars combined, and neither franchise can figure out how to work a microphone lol

[@mkim3smilk]

You my friend don’t know SNY 😂

[@Kahooni]

They do it on purpose so that if you want to actually hear the questions you need to buy their article and read the transcripts

[@isaiahjackson1211]

It’s because its noise cancellation and it’s actually super loud

[@user-yu7un8my8y]

Humble person great fit. Right attitude wants to play Hard for Team/Coach Thibs !!!

[@nellynel4583]

Exactly. That is now the culture here at MSG 🧡💙🧡💙

[@Hitemup744]

Welcome to NEW YORK CITY 🏙️🌆

[@zevoks6577]

Ironic given he’s probably gonna move from his apartment in Brooklyn to Westchester with the rest of the Knicks lol.

[@ptahhoteptmu264]

@@zevoks6577ironic that you don’t know he doesn’t have to move anywhere. He’s 45 minutes from his own apartment.

[@jwilliams6976]

I can’t believe that report was wrong about him forcing his way out, the media has to stop, I know clicks are important, but the truth is more important

[@Melbester9]

Nets traded him because Joe Tsai their owner wanted to rebuild and he said that weeks ago. Sean Marks their GM went into the offseason to do what Joe Tsai wanted. They wasn't going to win with Mikal and he had 2 yrs left on his contract. Mikal.wasnt staying for a rebuild in his prime right now as their best player, knowing he always wanted to be with Knicks before he was drafted, yet the team messed it up with getting Knox. Now Nets rebuild.sooner without losing Bridges in 2 years for nothing. Plus they get their picks back from Rockets with enough first round picks(16) to rebuild sooner. Nets did the right thing.

[@jwilliams6976]

@@Melbester9 thanks, you should be a reporter, great detail

[@seanfrank32]

​@Melbester9 Plus the Knicks were surely willing to give up more than any other team, because of his fit. And this was definitely his preferred destination, for what that's worth.

[@Melbester9]

@seanfrank32 Every team trades for the right player. Sometimes trades back fire on a team. But this is a trade that makes sense for Knicks and their franchise. He fits perfectly with Nova Knicks. It's the culture and chemistry of their roster. They won championships in college together. Of course Brunson, Hart, Divincenzo and Bridges fit perfectly together. Knicks had way too many picks anyways. They wasn't using all of them. 11 first round picks what were they gonna do with them? Make a big trade for a player. They did that but without wasting all their first round picks. Knicks only gave up half of their first round picks for Mikal. So from 11 to 5. 6 of them to Nets. They kept their draft capital intact without mortgaging their entire future. Which the team can use to draft players later when they need to or make another trade. But the team is competitive to go for a championship. Plus they cleared cap space from trading their end bench players taking salary on team to Nets (Diakite & Milton for Diop) Now Knicks can spend more in FA without being hard capped. Both teams won trade. It's even. They both got what they wanted.

[@GiantsJets718]

Legacy Media is getting pathetic as a whole

[@stephonmorgan5954]

Absolutely . The infinity gauntlet is now complete Knicks Nation Stand Up ... BUNG !!! 💯🎯🗣️🔥😏🤫🟠🔵

[@cheetah219]

At the end of the day, we have a chance. We legitimately have a chance

[@andreasl.1397]

Welcome to the real New York City team. WE ARE HAPPY to see you.

[@skillzv]

I had to come see this presser 💯☝🏽☝🏽

[@TonyCroweKnicksNBruises]

👏 👏 👏 👏 😊 feels good being a Knicks fans

[@oldhead4871]

What's good TC...it's Old Head. All we need now is for Leon Rose to get us a legit 7ft backup center

[@ManManManITSTHEKNICKS]

Man Man Man say that again

[@Ralphunreal]

tony waddup

[@alwaysgetup413]

I still can't believe it love our squad excited to see if we can put it all together 🔶️🔷️🔶️🔷️

[@bignatnat9736]

I promise you my brother, we all share your sentiments. Welcome to New York (Knicks) my brother! I pray each and every one of you guys stay healthy!! Now - finals here we come!!

[@donovanjaden1617]

They say Mikal haven’t miss a game since high school that’s insane

[@KennethLane90]

Met Mikal at the CVS in East Phoenix he was mad cool and let me take a pic with him💪🏾

[@classix848]

With all the injuries we had last year Mikal is the perfect guy to have considering he never missed a game in 6 years!

[@NYGIANT6]

I’m 49, been a Knicks Fan since 80’! Thats 44 years of ride or die 4NY! It’s great to see guys smiling when they get traded here and to see guys that actually want and prefer to come play in the Garden! #NYK4LIFE!!!

[@Footballfanatic1]

LFGOOOOO mikal Bridges

[@escarlinegonzalez503]

You will be a champion on the Knicks my brother!!!

[@susan3288]

I. LOVE THE FACT THAT THE KNICKS ARE A TEAM OF MANY LIGHTS THAT FIT AND PLAY TOGETHER AS ONE BRIGHT STAR. WE HAVE DEPTH. SOME TEAMS GO AFTER A PLAYER, GIVE BIG MONEY CONTRACT FOR THAT ONE BUT IT TAKES MORE THAN ONE. THEY HAVE TO GEL, BE ONE THE SAME PAGE. I'M GLAD THAT THE KNICKS PLAYERS REALIZE THAT IT'S A HONOR TO PLAY AT THE HOUSE THAT THE KNICKERBOCKERS BUILT. I REALLY APPRECIATE MIKAL BRIDGES ATTITUDE AND HE'S A BEAST ON THE COURT. WELCOME 😁

[@cosyr2667]

The Knicks and Mikal Bridges are such on 🔥 the fire alarm went off.. 🚨 0:40

[@just.do.something]

OG, Mikal and Mitch are gonna' be a problem for the league!!!

[@seanfrank32]

People forgot what Mitch was doing before he got hurt.

[@Kingmar06]

I can’t wait

[@just.do.something]

@@seanfrank32 Hell yeah! Mitch is a beast! Love I-Hart but he couldn't hold Embiid down. Mitch was doing his thing against Embiid.

[@tnosu9413]

Warm welcome to Mikal. I am SO proud and happy that my Knicks get great team player like Mikal Bridges Lets go Knicks💪💪💪 Greatings from the biggest Knicks fan in Poland 😎🖐️

[@ShimmyMD]

Love this kid. Very likable

[@angryknickfanloyaltony9525]

As one of the angriest Knicks fan since the 80 I’m looking forward to this year🎉

[@the_kwiet_storm]

I can’t believe it’s real

[@seanfrank32]

It really happened. lol We need another big rebounding center and let's go!

[@brickwallftw]

@@seanfrank32 and how is he gonna get rebounds while on bench?

[@FullspinEntertainment]

Aw man if we thought last season was nuts.....this upcoming season OH BOY!!!! 😱😱🔥🔥🔥🏀🏀 #LetsGoKnicks

[@lutherdonaldson4662]

Hope he does well in NYC. Really rooting for him!

[@benjamindayrit815]

Let's G🏀 KNICKS 🔵🏀

[@sabs_eats]

So excited to see Mikal in Orange and Blue this season it’s gonna be great 💙🧡

[@Moroc75]

Knicks are gonna be the team to beat!!!

[@darrylnelson6264]

He seems like a good guy. Good things happen to nice people. Let's win some games!

[@oracleowen]

Knicks Draft Class was sneaky good. Pacome Dadiet( shooter ) Tyler Kolek, Mccullar, Ariel Hukporti, and Sameko Cele

[@newhoodie18]

Congratulations my dude so happy you are here 👏🏼😊

[@StknicksNYC]

We are blessed to have this guy and the nova 4

[@kcpopov3127]

Mikal is a people pleaser, he wont tak bad about ppl. So ull never get his true feelings because he dont wanna hurts anyones feelings. He'll fit perfect around Julius lol.

[@clutch7548]

You dont know him personally weirdo

[@johnrubio3680]

Much love and success to Bridges and lets go win a Championship!!!! #LFG KNICKS🧡💙🧡💙

[@jensenat]

I've waited my entire adult life (I was a teenager in the 90's) to see this team again as a contender. Finally, it's been too fucking long. Lets go Knicks !!!

[@Dnero518]

Man. All these Villanova guys we got on the squad are just down to earth, cool as shit, impossible to not like. Well maybe Hart i could see rubbing other fans the wrong way but we love him😂

[@jrr59]

_Welcome home Mikal and to Knicks Nation KFTV_

[@flutaphonejohnson]

In the year 2024, knicks can pay players 100s of millions of dollars yet still can't hire a guy to pass a mic around to the reporters.

[@top10ofallkinds]

Look and sound great, humble, ready to fight on the court. I really like our team. ❤❤❤

[@acereyeschronicles]

so happy to have this guy

[@susan3288]

WELCOME TO THE KNICKS,MSG, AND THE LOVE FROM THE FANS. AS A FAN, I'M SO EXCITED FOR THE VILLANOVA 4 SQUAD AND THE ENTIRE KNICK TEAM. WE GOT THIS Y'ALL 💪😁😁

[@uponthisrock1555]

I have to see Mitch Deuce Mikal and OG on the floor together playing stifling defense. We need Precious back to complete the defensive group.

[@jrr59]

Scary D for sure

[@TripCatskill]

holy frick I'm psyched

[@matkaplan3325]

I’m so damn excited. This is the team I always wanted

[@beezykicks3992]

Bridges and OG gonna be so fun to watch on defense. I cannot wait

[@user-vi5fn3kd4o]

CONGRATULATIONS 🎊 MIKAEL BRIDGES BABY KNICKS # 1 GO KNICKS

[@PGO_Gaming]

I can think of a couple superstars that don't want to play 70 games let alone 82. Great trade by the Knicks.

[@Inserthouse]

This brother will mesh perfectly with the team from day 1. 💯 LGK

[@Edgeraze]

You're welcome my boy! Let's rock it!!!

[@oldhead4871]

Let's go Knicks!

[@KOR-EA-II]

Tell H.E.R. to come to al the HOME GAMES!!! 🧡💙🧡💙🧡💙🧡💙

[@likespurple2261]

Still can't hear the questions.....

[@theearl1477]

Mical knows what it takes to win. It will be that much easier to have many of his old Nova teammates to play with. Good luck Bridge!

[@RandyTillman20]

Welcome to team!

[@nellynel4583]

Welcome to the Knicks New York City's favorite team 🧡💙🧡💙

[@Trixx488]

Welcome 🎉🎉🎉

[@RGT85]

Had the Seinfeld Puffy shirt too!

[@rah0210]

Bridges not having to be the focal point of the offense and guarding the second best perimeter player on the opposing team? That's gonna be beautiful.

[@Jakey_2]

So exited!!!! And I called it in tooo. LGK

[@scooby8956]

Mikal seems like a genuinely nice guy

[@BassGods]

IT’S HAPPENING YALL!

[@jay-oe2iu]

Let’s go

[@kamalhillard2974]

Brooklyn Bridges welcome to MSG! Go NY Go NY Go!

[@shermanwood6470]

WELCOME ! Let’s get that CHIP

[@craigbishop5810]

He is just a good young man and elated about his addition to the team. Kudos to James Dolan and Leon Rose who have built an organization worthy of the City that attracts very good players who want to be Knicks and will represent us extremely well very proud day. Not just this addition but the whole thing from 2019 forward and will sustain for the foreseeable future !! ONCE A KNICK ALWAYS A KNICK !!

[@moe.ron4life399]

💙🧡

[@ChrisCarannante]

Love that he is a Knick

[@EliPlaysGamesY]

Mikel Bridges, you are a New York Knick! Welcome!

[@frank716]

Every season in Baseball, Nfl and Basket we all hope a NY team could win but this didn't happen in the last years. To me, the reason is the pressure on players who don't use to hold big pressure.

[@johnpettit6355]

Welcome to the Knicks Mikal this going to be a great season with the way u guys play u going to see how crazy us fans are.. lets bring this chip home now

[@escarlinegonzalez503]

Awesome move 🎉

[@DanJPall]

The man they should’ve drafted years ago!

[@Jbdreambrother]

We here!! 🤑🔥

[@2216sammy]

This is difficult for Mikal , he's not nearly as vocal as Hart and that's OK . He's going to be an absolute beast on the floor .

[@philipcross6733]

Yuuge. Gotta lock Brunson up and Mikal to long extensions and we have a core for 5 years.

[@Melbester9]

They will. Same with Divincenzo next season. They gonna keep Brunson, Bridges, Divincenzo & Hart long term with Knicks to build a dynasty winning team. Hopefully win 1-2 championships. Maybe a 3 peat down the line who knows. When they have a shot.

[@seanfrank32]

Extend Julius as well. He a key ingredient to this thing.

[@marcbeausejour1504]

​@Melbester9 we gotta dethrone Boston first. That's what I'm looking at. Got 2 wings that can defend the 2 J's and Julius, hopefully healthy can match Boston's frontline. I think it will come down to whoever bench reserves can perform. We got dawgs on our bench, but Boston's bench is no slouch either.

[@Rav8850]

💙🧡💙🧡

[@believe1335]

Thibs need to protect and take care of his starters especially Mitchell Robinson and OG (injury prone). Knicks are good but they need to stay healthy. If I were Thibs, I’ll rest Mitchell more and let Jericho Sims grow. OG is another guy who gets injured a lot and maybe let him rest too. We need Mitchell and all the starters in the playoffs !!!! Leon Rose did a great job and now he needs to remind Thibs to make health the priority.

[@leostoute1176]

Now he’s gonna know how it feels to really have NYC behind you the nets couldn’t offer that #NYK

[@elcoreano11]

Seems like a good guy

[@NelsonAgala-pz1cv]

Welcome to the knicks my brother

[@iMBlayzd]

*turns closed captions on im excited to be a WHAT!!!???

[@likespurple2261]

Yes, that was ear splitting and eye shocking.

[@johngonzo9671]

I been saying he was the piece. But I feel bad, he really love the Nets you can tell.

[@KennethLane90]

I’m sure he happy as hell to leave the Nets😂

[@jayscribe7547]

Knicks are 🔥🔥🔥

[@user-ut6lh3hv4s]

Bridges should have been the first nova kid but Knicks always do the wrong thing picking knuckle head Knox that did not be a dam thing for the knick

[@renatus6883]

is there a reason NY cant get a mic on the reporters asking questions? i mean its not to much to ask? i cant hear the questions so its almost pointless to just hear the answer annoying.

[@uponthisrock1555]

The New York Wilcats already practicing at Jaylen's crib.

[@deisyrodriguez585]

6 year late but he is here

[@Bless0ne]

Most people talking about trading for Walker Kessler but Zach Edey looks more impressive. What do the Grizzlies want Edey?

[@SOS_SQUAD_iRIZE]

I'm so excited for Mikal, this is a dream and a inspirational & 'motivational movie is coming too wait until he get this

[@rah0210]

Remember when we drafted kevin knox over this dude? Those were dark days haha.

[@jrr59]

All I remember all the talk from the head honchos that Kevin Knox outshined all the other possible draftees WHAT A JOKE

[@rah0210]

@jrr59 ha I remember that too. He was supposed to have ridiculous upside. Drafting after the 3rd pick is a guessing game apparently.