Mikal Bridges: A New Start with the Knicks Amid Preseason Challenges
The NBA offseason often brings surprises, and for Mikal Bridges, joining the New York Knicks is both a fresh opportunity and a culmination of past changes. In a significant move, the Knicks acquired the promising forward in exchange for five first-round picks. This bold decision underscores the franchise's faith in Bridges and their vision for leveraging his unique skill set.
Despite the excitement surrounding his acquisition, Bridges' preseason performance has caused some concern among fans and analysts. During the Knicks' final preseason game against the Washington Wizards, Bridges struggled, missing all ten of his three-point attempts. Over the course of four preseason games, he registered a meager 2-for-19 from beyond the arc.
Understanding His Shooting Struggles
These numbers may suggest an alarming downturn, yet it's crucial to contextualize them against Bridges' longer track record. Historically, Bridges has been a dependable shooter. His career three-point shooting percentage stands at 37.5%, and he has never dipped below a 36.1% conversion rate since his entry into the league. Throughout his career, Bridges has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, qualities that often translate to overcoming temporary setbacks.
One of the most interesting facets of Bridges' game is his proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations. Last season, he emerged as the seventh-most active player in such scenarios, with 5.6 attempts per game. Displaying commendable precision, he converted 38.4% of those opportunities, ranking him third among players with comparable or greater attempts. Last season also saw Bridges achieving a career-high in three-point attempts per game, with 7.2—including a solid 37.2% success rate. This level of consistency highlights a player comfortable in high-stakes, quick-decision situations, capable of delivering when his team needs it most.
The Quest for Shooting Perfection
Bridges' journey with his shooting form is a tale of persistence and evolution. Speaking candidly about his shot, 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." His words reflect not just a technical challenge but a deep-seated desire to return to the roots of his game, enhancing his form to achieve optimum results.
This admission points to the complexities that professional athletes often face—balancing the natural instincts developed during formative years with the relentless demand for performance perfection at the highest levels of sports. For Bridges, the challenge has been to maintain and refine his form while adapting to the evolving dynamics of the NBA.
Hope for Future Success
As the regular season looms, the pivotal question is how Bridges will transfer his preseason lessons to the main stage. His track record indicates that fans and analysts can expect a return to form. The preseason shooting slump, while concerning, may very well be a minor blip in an otherwise consistent career trajectory. The New York Knicks, placing such substantial trust and investment in Bridges, certainly hope that he will rekindle his shooting precision.
Bridges' potential impact extends beyond his ability to score. His presence on the floor alters opponents' defensive schemes, providing the Knicks with strategic options to exploit mismatches and leverage his catch-and-shoot skills. The franchise is betting on his ability not just to overcome his preseason challenges, but also to become a cornerstone of their offensive strategies.
Bridges' journey is a testament to athletic resilience and the ever-present quest for improvement. With opening games on the horizon, the Knicks and their fanbase will be watching closely, eager to see how Mikal Bridges weathers this storm, employing his unwavering resolve and notable past performance as a compass through potential on-court challenges.