​Jan 21, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) celebrates a three point shot against the Indiana Pacers in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsPHOENIX –Mikal Bridges has revealed that his famous draft-night smile was not exactly what it appeared to be. Bridges said he was “pissed” when the Phoenix Suns selected him in 2018 during his interview on Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Matt Hillman’s “Roommates Show” podcast. He had hoped to hear his name called to a different team, and while the cameras captured smiles, he admitted the emotion behind them was very different.May 15, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix forward Mikal Bridges (25) against the Dallas Mavericks in game seven of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsMikal Bridges talks about getting drafted by Phoenix Suns:After flying back to Phoenix and going out to explore the surrounding cities, the experience helped Bridges put the moment into perspective. He realized he had still become a top-10 pick, and instead of focusing on where he wanted to go, he began appreciating where his career was headed. For Suns fans, that story carries an almost uncomfortable amount of irony.Dec 23, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix forward Mikal Bridges (25) hangs from the rim after a slam dunk against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsBridges didn’t simply become another lottery selection. He developed into one of the most important two-way players on Phoenix’s roster, becoming a trusted perimeter defender, reliable shooter and emotional favorite during the Suns’ 2021 run to the NBA Finals. His eventual departure was supposed to represent the price of acquiring a superstar. Phoenix sent Bridges to Brooklyn as part of the blockbuster package for Kevin Durant, betting that Durant’s offensive brilliance could push the Suns over the top.Dec 11, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix forward Mikal Bridges (25) shoots the ball during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY SportsInstead, the aftermath became far more complicated. Bridges eventually landed with the Knicks and won a championship, while Durant’s Phoenix tenure ended and the Suns continue searching for roster stability and postseason answers. But Bridges’ story illustrates something more important, as sometimes the player a franchise moves on from can become the clearest reminder of what it once did right, even if Bridges didn’t feel that way immediately. For Suns fans, that makes those fake smiles on draft night feel a little different now.How will D-backs fans react to Ketel Marte’s return for Arizona? – Burn City Sports Phoenix SportsGet the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content