In a bold move this offseason, the New York Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, a player with a promising career and a distinguished track record of three-point shooting. The Knicks, aiming to bolster their roster, traded away five first-round picks for Bridges. However, as the preseason wrapped up, they were met with unexpected challenges concerning their new acquisition.
Preseason Struggles
Bridges, known for his sharp-shooting prowess, faced unforeseen difficulties in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, where he went 0-for-10 from the three-point line. Over the course of four preseason games, Bridges had considerable trouble from beyond the arc, netting just two of his nineteen attempts. These struggles were in stark contrast to his career averages, prompting analysts and fans alike to question the sudden dip in form.
Career Performance
Mikal Bridges' shooting performance in the preseason is particularly surprising given his consistent track record. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, he has never fallen below 36.1% in any season since entering the NBA. Such metrics have positioned him as a reliable option on the perimeter, a reputation built on years of solid play.
Last season was arguably his most active from beyond the arc, where he took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game, maintaining a commendable 37.2% conversion rate. His ability to deliver in catch-and-shoot situations was especially noteworthy. He was the league’s seventh-most active player in these scenarios, attempting 5.6 shots per game and converting them at an impressive 38.4% rate. Among players with similar or higher attempts per game, he stood as the third-most efficient marksman.
Adjusting the Mechanics
Bridges has been open about his ongoing efforts to fine-tune his shooting mechanics. "Ever since I got into the league, been trying to fix it back to when I was in college," Bridges reflected. "So it's been seven years of just every day. When I came out of college, I kind of tweaked it a little bit. And then my second year in the league, I had the hitch, and tried to build back from that ever since. So just trying to get it right. Pretty much it."
This honest admission sheds light on a career-long journey of adjustments and refinements. The process of recalibrating a shooting form once altered is a testament to the challenges athletes face in preserving and enhancing their skills under the scrutiny and pressures of professional competition.
Looking Ahead
Despite the recent struggles, the Knicks remain optimistic about what Bridges can bring to the team. His past performances underscore a resilient shooter capable of bouncing back and regaining form. The upcoming regular season offers a fresh slate, an opportunity for Bridges to demonstrate the kind of consistency he is renowned for.
For the Knicks, the acquisition of Bridges represents more than immediate statistical gains; it underscores their commitment to building a competitive roster. As they integrate Bridges into their system, they'll undoubtedly look to leverage both his shooting and defensive capabilities, hoping to maximize his potential as a key contributor.
The season is yet to begin in earnest, and for Mikal Bridges, the journey continues. With the backing of the Knicks and a determined focus on refining his game, the coming weeks will be crucial in demonstrating that the preseason was merely a blip in an otherwise stellar shooting career.