Mikal Bridges: Navigating the Further Arc of His Shooting Journey
Mikal Bridges has established himself as a sharpshooter in the NBA, yet the journey hasn't been without its hiccups. Known for his consistent three-point shooting prowess, Bridges enters a new chapter with the New York Knicks after a trade involving five first-round picks, amid ongoing efforts to adjust his shooting form.
Despite averaging an impressive 37.5% from beyond the arc over his career, Bridges' preseason did not reflect this accuracy. Facing the Washington Wizards, he struggled, missing all ten of his three-point attempts, and ultimately concluding the preseason with only two successful shots out of 19 attempts from long range. Nevertheless, preseason often serves as a testing ground for players, a period marked by experimentation and adjustment.
Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges maintained a respectable 37.2% efficiency on 7.2 three-point attempts per game. His prowess was especially notable in the catch-and-shoot category, where he ranked seventh in the NBA with 5.6 attempts per game, converting 38.4% of those opportunities. Yet, underneath these figures lies a persistent challenge with shooting mechanics—an issue that has shadowed Bridges from his college days into his professional career.
The evolution of his shooting form has been a focal point for Bridges. “Ever since I got into the league, been trying to fix it back to when I was in college, so it's been seven years of just every day,” Bridges remarked, highlighting the ongoing struggle to hone his technique. This long-running quest began when he made initial adjustments after leaving college. “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.”
The challenge of fixing his shooting arc is one many players face, and Bridges’ openness about it provides insight into the intricacies of his game. While his three-point shooting has never dipped below 36.1% for any NBA season, ensuring consistency remains a key target. Such percentages are a testament to his capacity to adapt and adjust amid mechanical challenges, reinforcing his value on any roster.
As Bridges integrates into the Knicks lineup, expectations are naturally high. With his track record and work ethic, fans are eager to witness how his shooting ability will complement his new team. The acquisition speaks volumes about the Knicks’ confidence in his potential impact despite the recent challenges.
Amid the highs and lows, Bridges’ journey exemplifies a professional athlete’s relentless pursuit of improvement. While the preseason statistics may have sparked concern, they also offer an opportunity for refinement and recalibration. For Bridges and the Knicks, the upcoming regular season will be a decisive canvas for demonstrating growth and the fruits of persistent effort.