Mikal Bridges has already become one of the New York Knicks’ most important players in just a short time with the team.

Traded to the Knicks from the Brooklyn Nets before the 2024-25 season, Bridges averaged 17.6 points per game, and was a key component to the Knicks’ run to the Eastern Conference Finals. In the second round against the Boston Celtics, Bridges came up with game-winning defensive plays at the end of Games 1 and 2 to give the Knicks a commanding 2-0 series lead — which they’d go on to win in six games.

This offseason, Bridges was rewarded with a four-year contract extension worth $150 million. Ahead of the Abu Dhabi Games against the Philadelphia 76ers, Bridges was asked about the legacy he wants to leave behind with the Knicks.

“Everyone wants to win championships and that’s the goal. It’s gonna take time,” Bridges said. “This year, working, you can’t just get there. You gotta take it day by day. The legacy you want to leave is pretty much winning.”

Bridges and the Knicks will have a chance to make that vision a reality this season. After reaching the conference finals last season, the Knicks enter this year as one of the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference.