Mikal Bridges

His role significantly expanded in the 2016-17 season, where he became a full-time starter, averaging 9.8 points and 4.6 rebounds, and was recognized as the Big East co-Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 17.7 points and 5.3 rebounds, shooting an impressive 43.5% from three-point range, and was awarded the prestigious Julius Erving Award for best small forward. He declared for the 2018 NBA draft, where he was selected tenth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers and subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night. Bridges quickly became an integral component of the Phoenix Suns, maintaining a remarkable record of consistency by playing in every regular-season game throughout his career as of June 2025.

He continued his ‘iron man’ streak, playing all 82 games in the 2024-25 season. His career trajectory continued in July 2024 when he was traded to the New York Knicks, reuniting with former Villanova teammates. His commitment to availability and performance was underscored by playing all 82 games in the 2024-25 season, extending his active record for most consecutive games played in the NBA. This impressive consistency was recognized by the Knicks with a four-year, $150 million contract extension signed in August 2025, affirming his status as a foundational player in the league.