The NBA's trade carousel delivered a significant shake-up this offseason when the New York Knicks made a bold move by acquiring Mikal Bridges, a player well-regarded for his defensive prowess and reliable outside shooting. In exchange, the Knicks parted with five first-round picks, a move underscoring their confidence in Bridges's ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor. Yet, as the preseason unfolds, the 27-year-old forward finds himself under scrutiny, following a challenging shooting stretch.
Preseason Shooting Struggles
Bridges's recent performance in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards was less than stellar. He failed to connect on any of his ten three-point attempts. This game punctuated a tough preseason for Bridges, who shot just 2-for-19 from beyond the arc over four games. These numbers starkly contrast with his career three-point average of 37.5%, a statistic that has cemented his reputation as a dependable shooter throughout his tenure in the league.
Since coming into the NBA, Bridges has consistently demonstrated a reliable shooting touch from long range, never dipping below a 36.1% success rate from downtown. His performance last season saw him attempting a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game while maintaining a solid 37.2% conversion rate, further highlighting his potential to be a cornerstone of the Knicks' offensive scheme.
Catch-and-Shoot Proficiency
Bridges's prowess is particularly pronounced in catch-and-shoot situations, where he was ranked the seventh-most active player last season with 5.6 attempts per game. His proficiency was further underscored by an impressive 38.4% conversion rate in such scenarios, placing him third among peers with similar or greater attempts. This excellence in catch-and-shoot dynamics not only attests to his shooting skills but also to his basketball IQ, as he adeptly navigates defenses to find open looks.
Refining a Shooting Form
The preseason challenges have re-ignited discussions around Bridges's shooting form, a narrative the player himself addressed with transparency. "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," Bridges shared. "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 honest appraisal of his shooting journey offers insight into the relentless grind athletes face in maintaining and enhancing their skills. Such candid reflections also underscore the negligible line between elite proficiency and the fine margins that can sway public perceptions and confidence in a player’s reliability.
Outlook for the Season
As the Knicks head into the regular season, the eyes of the franchise and its fans will be on Bridges. His performance and adaptation will play a crucial role in how the team's new dynamics shape up. Despite his preseason struggles, Bridges's historical consistency and adaptability suggest that the trajectory will correct itself as he settles into his new role.
The Knicks' investment in Bridges is not just a bet on his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting but also on his defensive acumen and leadership. While the cost of acquiring him was steep, the potential payoff could reshape the team’s fortunes. With the regular season around the corner, Mikal Bridges will aim to put his shooting woes behind him and prove his worth on the court, justifying the Knicks' faith in his ability to guide them towards greater success.