Mikal Bridges: Finding His Footing with the New York Knicks
The New York Knicks made a bold move this offseason, acquiring forward Mikal Bridges and sacrificing five first-round picks in the process. While the stakes are high, the Knicks are betting on Bridges' potential to become a significant contributor. As the preseason wraps up, this acquisition has generated both excitement and speculation, particularly regarding Bridges' shooting performance.
In a somewhat concerning twist, Bridges went 0-for-10 from the three-point line in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards. This performance caps off a challenging preseason run where Bridges shot just 2-for-19 from beyond the arc over four games. Such numbers might raise eyebrows among Knicks fans, but a closer inspection of Bridges' history provides reassurance.
Bridges boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Since his entry into the NBA, he's consistently delivered, never shooting below 36.1% from downtown in any season. Last season, he attempted a career-high 7.2 three-point shots per game and connected at a 37.2% rate—a testament to his reliability and prowess as a shooter.
His value isn't solely tied to volume. Bridges was the seventh-most active player in catch-and-shoot situations last season, attempting 5.6 shots per game. In these scenarios, he achieved a remarkable 38.4% conversion rate, ranking him as the third-most efficient among players with a similar or greater number of attempts. Such statistics underline Bridges' ability to perform under pressure and make crucial plays when needed.
Reflecting on his shooting mechanics and journey, Bridges 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 assessment highlights his dedication and relentless pursuit of improvement. It's not uncommon for players to tweak their shooting mechanics to enhance performance, but the road can be fraught with challenges, as Bridges' journey illustrates.
The Knicks' investment in Bridges is not just in his shooting ability but also in his potential to be a versatile asset on both ends of the court. Known for his strong defensive skills, Bridges brings an added layer of resilience to the Knicks' lineup. As the team transitions into the regular season, the ability to integrate Bridges' skill set with the existing roster will be crucial.
While his preseason shooting struggles are notable, they could simply be an anomaly rather than an indication of what's to come. Bridges' track record suggests that his shooting efficiency is likely to bounce back as he adjusts to his new team and system. The Knicks are counting on it.
In the grand scheme, the stakes involving Mikal Bridges extend beyond individual statistics. His performance could be a linchpin in the Knicks’ strategy to elevate their standing within the NBA. As fans and analysts look forward to the regular season, Bridges' journey with the Knicks promises to be a compelling narrative, replete with challenges and opportunities that come with high expectations.
Ultimately, the acquisition of Bridges represents both the franchise's ambition and its confidence in nurturing talent that can alter the course of their fortunes. For Bridges, this season is a fresh chapter—one where he can return to form, fulfill his potential, and contribute to a New York Knicks team with eyes firmly set on success.