We shouldn’t see much of the two-way rookie with the big club. Development in Tempe will be cruicial.
Welcome to the 2024-25 Phoenix Suns Season Preview series, where we embark on a comprehensive journey through the roster. In this series, we’ll break down individual player previews, offering a detailed look at each member of the Suns’ lineup. We’ll recap their performance from last season, highlighting key moments and areas of growth, and analyze how their skills, experience, and roles will contribute to the team’s championship aspirations.
Whether it’s the seasoned veterans or the rising stars, each player has a unique role in what could be a defining season for the franchise. Join us as we explore the potential and challenges that lie ahead for the Suns in their pursuit of basketball glory.
Jalen Bridges
Wing, 6’7”, 213 pounds, 23 years old, rookie
Contract Details
The Phoenix Suns signed Bridges to a two-way contract on July 2, 2024. Jalen, who was not drafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, played all four years of his college career in the BIG 12, starting at West Virginia University and finishing up at Baylor University.
During his four years in college, Bridges started 121 of 130 games played and averaged 9.4 points over that time. He improved every year in college and showed us what he could do in the Summer League.
Can he continue to grow and become a rotational piece for the Suns this season or in the future?
2023-24 Recap
As noted above, Jalen played the 2023-24 season for Baylor. His team went 24-11 overall and 11-7 in league play in the tough BIG 12 Conference. Baylor was a number three seed in the NCAA Tournament’s West region but lost in the second round.
Bridges had a solid senior season, averaging 12.2 points while shooting 46.6% overall and 41.2% from the three-point line. He also averaged 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Jalen was the team’s leading rebounder who also had future 1st round draft pick in Yves Missi on the team.
In his final season, Bridges averaged career bests in points, rebounds, and steals and was named to the All-BIG 12 third team. Hard to believe this guy went undrafted!
Strengths & Weaknesses
Given that Jalen has not played in one NBA minute, we will look at the scouting reports for some of his strengths.
NBADraft.net’s report notes his strengths: a wing with a very good combination of length, defense, and shooting ability with a 3-D type for the NBA. Speaking of length, depending on the site, Bridges is listed from 6’7” to 6’9”. We’ll stick with 6’7”.
He shows very good ability as a catch-and-shoot threat. He has good form with a smooth, quick release that allows him to get his shots off. Defensively, he has a plus wingspan at 6’10” with a standing reach of 8’9”. He can defend guards and wings and has the flexibility to defend power forwards in small-ball lineups. Does this sort of remind you of another Bridges?!
All of these attributes were on display in the five games Bridges played in the NBA Summer League.
In 5 games with the Summer Suns, Jalen averaged 10.8 points and shot 42.9% overall and 40% from the three-point line in only 17.9 minutes per game!
Weaknesses? Turned 23 in May…one of the older prospects in the draft. While he is a solid athlete with good measurables, he is not explosive or a leaper with his 32-inch vertical jump. He struggled with consistency in college, having 13 games in single digits. He was not much of a passer, and he averaged less than one assist over his college career. Lacks great body strength and needs to add more muscle to his frame. Limited as a facilitator and isolation player-not much of a creator.
One Key Factor
Playing time!
Now that the Suns have a G League team, Jalen can see minutes. The team can attempt to develop young players. Bridges does not have to sit on the bench and watch this year. He will gain valuable on-court opportunities to further develop his skills.
While the prognosticators think he doesn’t have a high ceiling he does have the talent and potential, playing time is the key to his development. In today’s NBA you can never have enough wings. Injuries or trades happen, Jalen can be in a position to help the club. Time will tell.
Prediction Time/Final Thoughts
This is a tough one! Looking at the wings, Jalen is currently behind Devin Booker (who has moved to the wing), Royce O’Neale, Josh Okogie, and Ryan Dunn. That screams G league for Jalen.
Most likely, he will spend most of the year in Tempe. But let’s dream a little. What happens if Jalen flourishes in the G League and puts up big numbers? Well, we don’t need another scorer, but let’s say he defends well, shoots a high percentage from the three-point line, and does the dirty work that all teams need. Could he see meaningful minutes with the Suns this year?
This team has been plagued by injuries in the past; if he can develop into a 3-and-D wing, he could very well. He showed glimpses of his ability in the Summer League. Jalen reminds me of Dorian Finney-Smith. You remember his 8 three-pointers against the Suns! It is not going to happen this year with the depth at wing, but how would you feel if Jalen develops into a Dorian Finney-Smith type?
I would like that! Would you?
Read other 2024-25 Player Previews right here: