DETROIT – The Phoenix Suns did not have to wait long to see what Miles Bridges could bring to their new-look roster. In his first preseason appearance, Bridges immediately looked comfortable, scoring Phoenix’s first seven points and announcing himself with a powerful putback dunk. But the most encouraging part of his debut was that his impact went well beyond the scoreboard.
Oct 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Miles Bridges (22) tries to drive past Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) in the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Miles Bridges looks comfortable playing with the Suns:
Miles Bridges with 7 points early https://t.co/KZLwv3ajbE
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 5, 2026
Bridges finished with 11 points, five rebounds and four assists while posting a team-best plus-18 rating. He pushed the pace when Phoenix needed energy, attacked the basket, competed physically, and consistently looked like a player capable of changing the tone of a possession. Phoenix does not necessarily need Bridges to become a 25-point scorer. The bigger question surrounding his addition was whether he could fill multiple needs without forcing the offense to revolve around him. His debut offered an encouraging early answer.
Sep 28, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4), forward Dillon Brooks (3), guard Devin Booker (1), and forward Miles Bridges (22) pose for a photo on Media Day at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The athleticism was obvious, particularly around the rim, but Bridges also showed the willingness to make the extra pass and get involved in different areas of the game. That versatility could become especially valuable over a long NBA season, when injuries, matchups, and rotations constantly change. For Suns fans, the most important takeaway may be that Bridges looked like he belonged immediately.
Apr 17, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) warms up before the game against the Orlando Magic during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Preseason results should never be overvalued, but fit can be evaluated before the games count. Bridges appeared comfortable playing alongside Phoenix’s core, and his physical style gives the Suns an element that can influence games without requiring a high volume of shots. If that version of Bridges carries into the regular season, Phoenix may have found more than another scorer; it may have found a player who can connect different parts of its lineup. One preseason game does not prove the trade was a home run. But Bridges gave Suns fans a compelling reason to believe it could be.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
