In a surprising offseason trade, the New York Knicks made headlines by acquiring Mikal Bridges in exchange for five first-round draft picks, a bold move that underscores the team's belief in Bridges' potential impact on their quest for success. However, as the new season looms, Bridges faces some challenges within his shooting game, evidenced by his recent performances in the preseason.
Shooting Struggles in Preseason
Bridges' shooting prowess has been a hallmark of his game since he entered the NBA, boasting a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Yet, during the Knicks' preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges struggled, going 0-for-10 from beyond the arc. This rough outing was part of a broader trend over four preseason games, where he managed only 2-for-19 from three-point range. For a player known for his efficiency, these numbers were notably concerning.
Despite these struggles, it's crucial to contextualize Bridges' shooting performance. In the previous season, he shot 37.2% from the three-point line, his best mark to date since his collegiate days. Known for his resilience and adaptability, Bridges remains confident that his form will return as the season progresses.
A Proven Track Record
While the preseason statistics may cause some concern among Knicks fans, it's important to remember Bridges' reliable history as a shooter. Since entering the league, he has never dipped below a 36.1% conversion rate from downtown. Bridges' consistency has further been highlighted by his effectiveness in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Last season, he ranked as the seventh-most active player in such situations, putting up 5.6 attempts per game and converting at an impressive 38.4% rate. Among players with a similar volume of attempts, this placed him third in efficiency, highlighting his capability as a potent weapon on the perimeter.
Working Through Adjustments
The transition to a new team and system can pose challenges, and Bridges acknowledges the adjustments he's had to make throughout his career. Reflecting on his journey, he candidly 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 quote underscores the ongoing effort Bridges has made to refine his shooting mechanics. His journey of reworking and perfecting his shot is emblematic of the dedication that has defined his career, even amidst the challenges.
Looking Forward
As the regular season gets underway, all eyes will be on Bridges as he aims to overcome his preseason woes and establish himself as a reliable scoring option for the Knicks. The organization has invested significantly in him, and his proven track record suggests that his recent shooting slump may be an anomaly rather than a lasting issue.
With his natural skill, combined with the work ethic that has carried him this far, there's cause for optimism that Bridges will soon rediscover his shooting touch. The Knicks see him as a key component in their plans, both for this season and beyond, and his past performance metrics suggest he will rise to the occasion.
Ultimately, Bridges' ongoing journey to perfect his game will be one to watch, as fans and analysts alike wait to see how this chapter with the Knicks unfolds. His talent and dedication offer rare qualities that, when fully synchronized, could provide the Knicks with exactly what they've been searching for—a consistent and dynamic presence from the perimeter.