Understanding the significance of the time in between his rookie and second season in the league, Bridges is fully aware of the added responsibilities thrust on him with Kemba Walker’s departure. He’s not shying from it, either, and it’s one of the reasons he’s been hitting the weight room and the gym floor so frequently this offseason. “I knew this summer was going to be a big one for me, coming off last year,” Bridges said. “I’m definitely coming in hungrier than I was last year because Kemba isn’t here first of all. And I just want to be a better player for myself, too. I know the young guys are going to have to lead the team a little bit. We still have some veteran leadership in Marvin (Williams), Nic Batum and we just added Terry (Rozier). But we have to step up in a big way. I know that I’ve got to grind.”
