In a bold move emblematic of the New York Knicks' commitment to rebuilding their squad, the franchise acquired Mikal Bridges, parting with five first-round picks in the process. Bridges, recognized for his perimeter shooting prowess, is expected to enhance the Knicks' offensive strategy. However, his initial performances in the preseason have been polarizing, sparking both anticipation and concern among fans and analysts alike.
A Rough Preseason Start
The preseason finale against the Washington Wizards proved challenging for Bridges. Despite being a seasoned shooter, he went 0-for-10 from the three-point line. This performance stood out, especially considering that over four preseason games, he managed to connect only 2 of 19 attempts from beyond the arc. Such numbers are uncharacteristic for a player like Bridges, who has built a reputation as a reliable shooter since his college days.
Reflecting on his shooting technique, Bridges explained, "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 candidness reveals the ongoing battle athletes face in adapting and refining their skills at the professional level.
A Proven Track Record
Despite his recent struggles, Bridges boasts an impressive career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. This consistency is underscored by his historical performance, as he has never dipped below 36.1% from three-point range since entering the NBA. Last season, Bridges not only attempted a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game but also maintained a commendable 37.2% success rate. Such statistics underscore his potential to be a key contributor to the Knicks' backcourt.
A crucial component of his shooting success has been his role in catch-and-shoot scenarios. In the last season alone, Bridges was the seventh-most active player in these situations, averaging 5.6 attempts per game. His conversion rate of 38.4% positioned him as the third-most efficient player among those with similar or more attempts per game. Such proficiency is what the Knicks hope to tap into as they look to improve their offensive stats.
Bridging the Gap
The transition to a new team often presents hurdles for any player, and for Bridges, adjusting his shooting form appears paramount. Despite preseason numbers, the Knicks' coaching staff and fans remain optimistic, recognizing the guard's inherent talent and high ceiling. His current slump presents a challenge, but it is also an opportunity for growth and adaptation in the ever-evolving game of basketball.
For the Knicks, integrating Mikal Bridges into their system is part of a broader strategy aimed at creating a formidable lineup capable of posing threats from multiple positions on the court. With his track record as a shooter and a versatile player, the potential benefits outweigh the initial investment of draft picks the team sacrificed in acquiring him.
As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Bridges to see if he can recalibrate his touch from downtown and contribute effectively to the Knicks' aspirations. The stakes are high, but so is the belief in his ability to rebound and thrive. For now, Knicks fans and NBA observers await with bated breath to witness how Mikal Bridges will redefine his journey in New York.