In a blockbuster trade that sent ripples throughout the NBA landscape, the New York Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, a move that involved giving up five valued first-round picks. The acquisition speaks volumes about the Knicks' commitment to building a competitive roster poised for immediate success. However, Bridges' recent preseason performance has stirred mixed reactions among fans and analysts.
Challenging Preseason for Bridges
The recent preseason matchup against the Washington Wizards underscored a challenging period for Bridges, who went a disappointing 0-for-10 from beyond the arc. This performance capped off a series of preseason games where he shot an uncharacteristic 2-for-19 from three-point range. For a player lauded for his shooting prowess, this cold streak is undoubtedly a concern as the regular season approaches.
Despite his preseason struggles, Bridges’ career statistics reassure teams and fans alike. He holds a commendable career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, a testament to his consistent ability to contribute from long range. This reliability is underscored by the fact that he has never shot below 36.1% in any season since entering the NBA.
Insights into Bridges' Shooting History
Last season, Bridges took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game, connecting at a rate of 37.2%. His confidence and the precision with which he handled higher shooting volumes suggest that preseason slumps may simply be an anomaly for this sharpshooter. Furthermore, Bridges ranked as the seventh-most active player in catch-and-shoot situations, with 5.6 attempts per game last season. This aspect of his game provides a strategic advantage for teams looking to capitalize on rapid ball movement and catch defenses off guard.
In the context of catch-and-shoot situations, Bridges' effectiveness becomes even more apparent. Last season, he achieved an impressive 38.4% conversion rate in these scenarios. Among players with a similar frequency of attempts, Bridges stood out as the third-most efficient. Such statistics highlight his ability to adapt and excel in dynamic offensive systems, an asset that the Knicks likely find valuable.
A Journey of Tweaking and Adapting
Mikal Bridges’ shooting journey has not been without its challenges. Reflecting on his progression, Bridges candidly states, "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."
His remarks provide valuable insight into the relentless pursuit of perfection that characterizes many elite athletes. For Bridges, the journey has been about reclaiming a shooting technique he deemed superior during his collegiate days. The "hitch" he refers to—an alteration in his shooting form—appears to be a focal point of his continuous self-improvement efforts.
Future Outlook for Bridges and the Knicks
For the Knicks, investing in Mikal Bridges is a clear signal of intent to bolster their roster with versatile talent capable of making an immediate impact. His historical consistency and potential for high-volume shooting bode well for a team looking to make a mark in the competitive Eastern Conference.
While Bridges' preseason numbers may cause some to pause, his overall track record suggests he will find his stride as the season unfolds. As teams and fans eagerly await the NBA season's tip-off, all eyes will be on Bridges to see if his shooting touch returns to form, aiding the Knicks in their quest for success.