The New York Knicks made a bold move in the offseason, acquiring Mikal Bridges in exchange for five first-round picks. This blockbuster trade signaled a strong commitment from the Knicks, who are eyeing a significant boost in their lineup with the addition of Bridges, a player known for his defensive prowess and reliable shooting from beyond the arc.
However, Bridges' performance during the preseason has given some fans pause. In the finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges struggled mightily, going 0-for-10 from the three-point line. Over the course of four preseason games, he posted a disappointing 2-for-19 from downtown.
These numbers are a stark contrast to Bridges' career performance. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, Bridges has long been considered a formidable perimeter threat. Since his debut in the NBA, he has never shot below 36.1% from beyond the arc, showing a consistency that has been key to his professional success thus far.
Aiming for Improvement
Reflecting on his shooting mechanics, Bridges shared some insight into his ongoing efforts to improve. "Ever since I got into the league," Bridges explained, "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 quote offers a glimpse into the challenges Bridges has faced in maintaining and refining his shooting form. It also reveals his determination and dedication to getting back to the form that saw him excel in college, a testament to his work ethic and commitment to the game.
Preseason Woes or A Temporary Setback?
Last season, Bridges took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game, connecting at a respectable 37.2% rate. His proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations was particularly noteworthy. He was the seventh-most active player in this aspect, with 5.6 attempts per game, and achieved a 38.4% conversion rate. This made him the third-most efficient scorer among players attempting a similar volume of shots per game, underscoring his capability as a sharpshooter.
The preseason slump could be attributed to various factors, including the natural rust and rhythm adjustments that players often experience following the offseason. It's a period when players experiment with new techniques and work to integrate them into their existing repertoire. For a player like Bridges, still refining his mechanics, inconsistent shooting can be an unfortunate but necessary part of the process.
Looking Ahead
The Knicks will hope that Mikal Bridges recovers his shooting touch when the regular season gets underway. His history suggests he’s more than capable of doing so. Historically, players of Bridges' caliber adjust and overcome early struggles, especially when armed with his level of motivation and dedication.
As the games begin to count, all eyes will be on Bridges and his integration into the Knicks’ lineup. His ability to find his rhythm could significantly impact the team's trajectory this season. With the hefty price the Knicks paid for his services, both the franchise and its fans will eagerly await his return to form, trusting that the preseason slump is merely a temporary setback in what has been a promising career trajectory thus far.