The Suns are betting their credibility on Miles Bridges. They better be right.

In one gritty turnabout season, the Suns kept their word, made the playoffs, restored their credibility and muted most of their critics.

They are risking it all on Miles Bridges.

“There’s mixed feelings about me being here,” Bridges admitted on Wednesday. “But, you know, I take full responsibility for my actions. I’ve been to counseling. I’ve been to therapy … I’m just prioritizing being a better man every day, on and off the court, mainly off the court, and just being a great father and earning the trust of this fan base and this community. I can’t wait to get started.”

For those who want to believe, Bridges said all the right things during his introductory press conference. He talked about hitting rock bottom with the Hornets, after pleading no contest to felony charges of domestic violence. He thanked the Hornets for giving him a second chance when they were under no obligation. He claimed he went through years of counseling and did his best to give back to the community in Charlotte. He claimed he will continue to do the same here in Phoenix, including serving as an advocate for victims of domestic violence.

“I mean, I know I’m a good person,” Bridges said. “And from all the stuff that you all have seen, people would think the opposite. But I want to show everybody who I really am and earn the respect here.”

To those who feel alienated and unsatisfied, you have the right to your opinion. The Suns are more than a team. They are family. They are Arizona’s first major professional sports franchise. They’ve been around since 1968. They are the only franchise in town with multiple generations of fans. And many feel like it’s a betrayal of community values for the team to roll out the red carpet for a player with Bridges’ background.

Fair enough. But this much is clear:

The Suns are the ones on the hook if this goes awry. They are the ones who believe Bridges are worth the risk, the backlash and the investment.

Suns General Manager Brian Gregory was a consultant for Tom Izzo when Bridges was a freshman at Michigan State, and he was adamant in his support of Bridges on Wednesday. He says he knows the person and his parents; where Bridges came from; how he was raised; and who served as his mentors. Cynics might say the affection for Michigan State might be clouding their judgment.

Yet Gregory has been extremely impressive in his short stint with the Suns. He has brought clear eyes and a fresh perspective. He hired a tremendous first-time head coach and most of his moves have paid major dividends. The conviction he showed for Bridges can’t be taken lightly.

“Miles has taken responsibility for his actions,” Gregory said. “He’s shown remorse for those actions. He’s gone through counseling and is continually on a daily basis doing things for his personal growth. He has also made a commitment on a daily basis to be the best man and the best father that he can be.

“I have no question at all that he understands the responsibility of what our organization’s expectations and values are. We will hold him accountable to the same standards of everybody that is part of the Phoenix Suns organization. There will be no wavering on that.”

The Suns aren’t giving Bridges a second chance. But they are obviously intent on giving him a new contract. Even if he’s a great fit in our community, it doesn’t mean he’s a great fit from a basketball and chemistry standpoint. And for all the questions and heated discourse, the bottom line remains the bottom line:

The Suns better be right about Miles Bridges.

Reach Bickley at dbickley@arizonasports.com. Listen to Bickley & Marotta weekdays from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7.

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