Mikal Bridges, the versatile forward recently acquired by the New York Knicks, finds himself at a pivotal moment in his career. The Knicks traded five first-round picks to bring Bridges to New York, a testament to their faith in his abilities and potential impact on the team. However, as the NBA season approaches, Bridges is confronting a challenge that he's been grappling with for the better part of his professional journey: his shooting form.
A Rough Preseason
The preseason, intended as a time for fine-tuning and improvement, offered Bridges a harsh reminder of the hurdles he faces. During the New York Knicks' preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges went 0-for-10 from the three-point line, a performance he'd rather forget. This game capped a difficult preseason stretch where he shot only 2-for-19 from beyond the arc.
Such struggles might raise concerns for some, but the Knicks and Bridges are likely viewing this with an understanding of his body of work. Despite the woes in these recent exhibitions, Bridges has proven himself over the years. A career three-point shooter at 37.5%, he has never seen his percentage dip below 36.1% since entering the NBA.
Consistency in Numbers
Last season, Bridges reached new heights in offensive production, attempting a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game, and making them at a respectable 37.2% clip. He was particularly prolific in catch-and-shoot scenarios, with 5.6 attempts per contest, making him the seventh-most active player in that role. His efficiency in these situations was notable, converting 38.4% of his catch-and-shoot opportunities, ranking third among his peers with comparable or higher attempts.
A Persistent Shooting Hitch
The challenges with his shot have accompanied Bridges since his college days, a period he refers to with a sense of nostalgia when his form was untouched by the "tweaks" that developed in his early NBA years. "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," Bridges candidly admitted.
This constant search for the perfect form illustrates his dedication to improvement and his understanding of the complexities involved in mastering such a critical aspect of his game. Despite these ongoing adjustments, his ability to maintain a consistent shooting percentage reflects a commendable blend of resilience and talent.
The Road Ahead
With the regular season on the horizon, the pressure mounts for Bridges to reconcile his form issues and deliver for his new team, the New York Knicks. The franchise's investment in him, highlighted by the hefty price of five first-round draft picks, suggests a belief that his upside outweighs any temporary setback in shooting accuracy.
For Bridges, this season isn't just about redeeming a tough preseason but also capitalizing on his potential within one of the NBA's most passionate markets. The Knicks are banking on his adaptability, his defensive prowess, and his proven ability to contribute offensively without needing to shoulder the entire scoring burden.
Ultimately, the relationship between Bridges and the Knicks is still budding. While the preseason shooting numbers might cast a shadow, they are but a small part of a larger narrative focused on growth and adaptation. As the basketball world watches, the New York Knicks and Mikal Bridges are poised to embark on a journey filled with anticipation, with the hope that this newfound partnership yields success beyond mere numbers.