As the New York Knicks prepare to embark on a new NBA season, all eyes are on their latest acquisition, Mikal Bridges. The organization made a bold move by trading away five first-round picks to bring Bridges into their fold, hoping his proven sharpshooting and defensive acumen would provide a significant boost to their lineup. However, Bridges’ preseason performance has raised questions about his current form, leaving fans and analysts alike to wonder what lies ahead for both the player and his new team.
Mikal Bridges' Shooting Struggles
The preseason has been less than kind to Bridges, a player who has traditionally been a reliable asset from beyond the arc. In the exhibition games leading up to the regular season, Bridges has struggled to find his rhythm. Notably, he went 0-for-10 from the three-point line in the finale against the Washington Wizards, culminating in a concerning 2-for-19 performance over four games.
In contrast to these recent struggles, Bridges’ career statistics paint a different picture. Since entering the NBA, he has maintained a respectable career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, never dropping below 36.1% from downtown. Even last season, he reached a career-high by attempting 7.2 three-pointers per game and managed to convert them at a 37.2% rate.
The Mechanics and Mental Game
For Bridges, the shooting woes are not just a matter of form but also a mental challenge. Reflecting on his shooting journey, he shared, "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. 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 candid admission offers insight into the persistent work Bridges has dedicated to refining his shot. His honesty about the challenge provides context to his current preseason struggles and underscores the complexity of mastering the fine art of shooting under the pressure of elite competition.
Catching and Shooting
Despite preseason struggles, Bridges' past performance in catch-and-shoot situations remains noteworthy. Last season, he was the seventh-most active player in such scenarios with 5.6 attempts per game. Impressively, he achieved a 38.4% conversion rate, ranking him as the third-most efficient among players with similar or more attempts. This proficiency highlights his capability to reclaim his shooting touch as the regular season gets underway.
The Knicks' Big Bet
With the substantial investment of five first-round picks, the Knicks have clearly placed their faith in Bridges’ ability to adapt and shine. The stakes are undeniably high, not only for the team but for Bridges as well. The Knicks are banking on his ability to overcome his shooting woes, bringing to fruition the skills that made him such a coveted player.
The coming season will serve as a pivotal chapter for Bridges and his career, offering him an opportunity to re-establish his prowess on a team that is eager for success. The pressure to perform is palpable, but if history is any guide, Bridges possesses both the talent and resilience to rise to the occasion.
As both player and team journey into this new season, the narrative of Mikal Bridges will be closely followed. Whether he can regain his shooting touch will not only affect his personal legacy but could also redefine the trajectory of the Knicks in their pursuit of NBA prominence.