Miles Bridges makes shock NBA return despite active court case

A debate has waged on in the NBA as to whether Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges should have been able to play in the league again.

Bridges missed the whole of last season for the Hornets due to being involved in multiple domestic violence cases with his former partner.

The NBA gave Bridges a 30-game suspension, with 20 being served last season and the opening ten of this campaign.

After going through the court procedures for his previous cases, Bridges still has one active after violating a domestic violence protective order.

Bridges has been accused of throwing billiard balls at the mother of his children's vehicle while threatening to take everything away from her and not pay child support.

The Hornets forward appeared in court last Monday and has a new court date scheduled for February 20^th next year.

Based on the Charlotte Hornets understanding of the situation, the franchise was comfortable bringing Bridges back in the first game after his suspension ended.

According to foxnews.com, the Hornets said: "We are comfortable with Miles returning to play based on our current understanding of the facts of the recent allegations and remain in contact with the NBA as that matter proceeds through the court process."

Hornets head coach Steve Clifford believes Bridges will play a significant role in the Hornets success this season and expressed how well he has been working since returning.

"Since he's been here, he's had a great attitude. He's been a terrific worker. He is a great teammate, and he's a really, really good player. He's got himself in good shape, and he'll play a big role right away."

Coach Clifford is right that Bridges would play apart right away, leading the Hornets to two victories over the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.

His return to NBA action against the Milwaukee Bucks was met with mixed responses, with many fans cheering and booing his return.

In his opening two games against the Bucks and the New York Knicks, Bridges led the scoring off the bench, scoring 17 against Milwaukee and 19 against the Knicks.

Since becoming a starter on Monday against Boston, the Hornets are 2-0, with Bridges hitting the game-winning three against the Celtics and finishing the game with 14 points and 15 rebounds.

His game against the Celtics wasn't a fluke. He played even better against Washington on Wednesday, scoring 33 points and hitting a game-winning three again to help Charlotte win 114-117.

So far, the signs are showing that Bridges is already returning as the Hornets second-best option behind LaMelo Ball. Can they make the playoffs? But should he really be playing anyway?