Mikal Bridges: A Promising Trade and Struggling Preseason Performance
The New York Knicks made headlines with a bold acquisition of Mikal Bridges, surrendering five first-round picks in return. This move underscores the Knicks’ commitment to strengthening their roster as they aim for greater success in the coming NBA seasons. However, as the preseason games have unfolded, questions about Bridges' recent performance have come to the fore, despite his historical proficiency from beyond the arc.
A Challenging Preseason
Bridges' recent performances have been anything but stellar. In the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, he went a concerning 0-for-10 from the three-point line. This misfortune is part of a larger pattern, as he shot just 2-for-19 over four preseason games. Such statistics are alarming for a player of Bridges’ caliber, who has maintained a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%.
This dip in performance could simply be a preseason anomaly, but it’s far from what fans and analysts expect from an athlete known for his consistency. Historically, Bridges has thrived from downtown, never dipping below a 36.1% success rate since entering the league. His past season statistics reveal a player who has embraced an increasing role on the court. Last season, he attempted a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game, converting 37.2% of those attempts.
Bridges' Past Performance and Potential
Mikal Bridges’ shooting skills extend beyond just raw percentages; his strategic role in the team's playbook is worth noting. Last season, he was the seventh-most active player in catch-and-shoot situations, averaging 5.6 attempts per game. Not only was he taking shots, but he was also delivering with precision, achieving a 38.4% conversion rate. This efficiency ranked him as the third-most proficient among players with a similar or higher volume of attempts.
Such statistics are indicative of Bridges’ potential to be a pivotal player for the Knicks. His shooting ability, particularly in catch-and-shoot circumstances, proves critical in stretching defenses and creating space for his teammates. The Knicks' investment in him is not without merit, given the value he can bring when operating at his best.
The Journey of Adjustments
Discussing his shooting form adjustments over the years, Bridges has been transparent about his journey, sharing, "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 reflection highlights the continuous evolution of his shooting technique and his ongoing commitment to improvement. Every adjustment can impact performance, and it appears that both perseverance and precision are at the forefront of Bridges' current focus.
Looking Forward
For Mikal Bridges and the Knicks, the key will be to transition out of the recent shooting slump and leverage his proven track record as the regular season begins. The Knicks’ decision to trade multiple first-round picks for Bridges will be scrutinized with each shot he takes. Nevertheless, his career numbers offer a strong foundation upon which New York can build, and his potential suggests his current struggles are merely a temporary setback.
As the anticipation builds and fans yearn for the Knicks to achieve new heights, Mikal Bridges will undoubtedly play a central role in the unfolding story of the team’s future endeavors. The Knicks and their fans will be watching closely, hoping to see a return to form and the shooting prowess that has defined much of Bridges' career.