In a dramatic turn of court-side events, the leader of the hive, Charlotte Hornets' forward, Miles Bridges, has hit a snag in his quest to rack up more NBA games under his bucket-hitting belt. Due to some past legal ghosts knocking on his door, Bridges was stopped short at the border, denied entry into Canada, as per recent reports.
This obstacle arrives just before Monday's thrilling face-off against the Toronto Raptors, where the star player's on-court prowess would have undoubtedly been a boon for the Hornets. The team is currently rallying to put forwards and guards in the right places, hoping to open doors for Bridges and get him in the country for the game's tip-off.
In the backdrop of this episode, Bridges is donning a different sort of uniform – one synonymous with legal strings and judicial orders. He is observing his three-year probation following a 'no contest' plea that saw him eschew jail time for a June 2022 domestic violence case that left a ghastly mark on his personal life. This plea bargain currently subjects him to a decade-long criminal protection order for his ex-partner, weekly drug screenings, and restitution dues as per the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office's protocol.
Bridges, taking responsibility for his actions, voluntarily walked into law's arms in mid-October under the shadow of an arrest warrant, following his alleged dalliance with the protection order's violation. The past may begone, but the charges are yet to be cleared as a still pending case hovers over him since his October arrest.
Despite being handicapped by a suspension that saw him benched for the first 10 games and sidelined for all of last season, Bridges has displayed an undeterred resolve on his return. His figures are currently singing a resounding tune with an average of 19.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, crowning him as one of the crucial play-makers for the Hornets.
However, amid this crisis, the Hornets face an ominous specter - possibly entering the hardwood battlefield without four of their Big Five. This possibility is more bitter than sweet for the Hornets as they are already scrambling to fill gaps due to injuries - Mark 'Center' Williams is downed by a back problem, LaMelo 'Guard' Ball is tending to an ankle injury, and Gordon Hayward is questionable due to illness.
Other injuries include a probable thumb injury for Terry 'Guard' Rozier, questionable shoulder damage for P.J. Washington, and Cody 'Guard' Martin is ruled out with a knee injury.
The hive mind's put to the test here, and only time will tell how this line-up saga unfolds. Stay tuned!
For more updates, keep your shots coming and visit https://apnews.com/hub/nba.
