Ex-NBA coach makes bold Miles Bridges prediction amid Suns’ Western Conference aspirations appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Former NBA head coach Tyrone Corbin believes Miles Bridges could emerge as the Phoenix Suns’ X-factor during the 2026-27 season, expressing confidence in the veteran forward’s ability to make an immediate impact alongside Devin Booker.
With Phoenix preparing for its regular-season opener following a disappointing 1-4 preseason, Corbin praised Bridges during a recent interview with Kyle Odegard of NEXTPredict.
“Miles Bridges is going to be great. Miles Bridges is way better than people give him credit for. He’s going to have a huge impact on the team.”
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The Suns acquired Bridges from the Charlotte Hornets during the offseason in exchange for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and a 2033 first-round pick. The move gave Phoenix another established scoring option as the franchise attempts to build on its postseason appearance under second-year head coach Jordan Ott.
Bridges, 28, spent his first seven NBA seasons with Charlotte, establishing himself as a versatile offensive threat capable of scoring inside, attacking the basket and stretching the floor.
The former Michigan State standout averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 46% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range across 77 games during the 2025-26 campaign.
His most productive scoring season came in 2023-24, when he averaged a career-high 21 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 46.2% from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc across 69 appearances.
Those numbers illustrate the offensive potential Bridges brings to a Suns team looking to establish itself among the Western Conference’s contenders.
Tyrone Corbin believes Devin Booker, Miles Bridges can lead Suns’ Western Conference push
Corbin also expressed confidence in Booker, suggesting the five-time All-Star has developed a stronger understanding of what it takes to compete for a championship.
“Booker is mature now. He’s understanding more every year with these changes what it takes to have a chance to win. He’s going to get his numbers. He’s that kind of offensive skill guy. To bring in Miles Bridges and these other pieces, I think it gives them a chance to be a good team.”
Booker remains the centerpiece of Phoenix’s offense following another productive season in 2025-26.
The Suns improved from 36-46 in 2024-25 to 45-437 last season, securing a playoff berth through the Play-In Tournament before suffering a first-round sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Despite that disappointing postseason exit, Phoenix demonstrated progress under Ott, who will now attempt to integrate Bridges into a roster featuring Booker and Dillon Brooks.
Corbin believes the Suns could challenge expectations in a Western Conference featuring the 2025 NBA champion Thunder and last season’s Western Conference champion the San Antonio Spurs near the top of the standings.
“They did a good job last year.They’re a team that’s going to make some noise in the Western Conference, in my opinion.”
Phoenix’s immediate focus remains on moving past its underwhelming preseason, which concluded Friday with a 119-116 loss to the Utah Jazz.
The Suns will open their 2026-27 regular season Wednesday, Oct. 21, against the Portland Trail Blazers on the road at 7 p.m. PT.
Related: Devin Booker, Jordan Ott share Suns’ biggest victory in preseason