Mikal Bridges: Navigating Shooting Struggles and Transitioning to the Knicks
Mikal Bridges has long been recognized for his proficiency from beyond the arc, boasting a career average of 37.5% in three-point shooting. His consistency and accuracy have made him a valuable asset in any lineup, consistently posting over 36.1% across all seasons in the NBA. However, recent developments suggest that the sharpshooter is navigating through a rough patch, prompting a reevaluation of his mechanics and approach.
A Tough Preseason
In a recent preseason game against the Washington Wizards, Bridges faced an uncharacteristic slump, missing all ten of his attempts from the three-point line. This cold streak didn't just begin with a single game. Over four preseason matchups, his three-point shooting fell to a concerning 2 for 19. Preseason often serves as a time for players to experiment and adjust, but such numbers can raise eyebrows for a shooter of Bridges' caliber.
Reflecting on his journey, Bridges opened up about his longstanding struggle to refine his shooting form. "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," he remarked, alluding to the iterative process he's been navigating since his collegiate days. Mechanical issues have intermittently surfaced, causing variations in consistency, which Bridges has addressed with diligence and persistence.
Adapting Techniques
Despite these mechanical hurdles, Bridges continues to deliver impressive numbers. Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, he notched a 37.2% efficiency from the three-point line, taking an average of 7.2 shots per game. Notably, he excelled in the catch-and-shoot category, where he ranked seventh in the NBA with 5.6 attempts per game, converting 38.4% of those opportunities. These statistics underscore his ability to still find rhythm and contribute significantly to his team’s scoring.
"When I came out of college, I kind of tweaked it a little bit," Bridges explained, describing his adjustment phase. "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 candid insights reveal a player committed not only to performance but also to continuous improvement and adaptation.
Transition to the Knicks
This offseason marked a pivotal shift in Bridges' career trajectory. The New York Knicks, one of the NBA's storied franchises, acquired him in a move that sent five first-round picks to his former team. The acquisition is indicative of the Knicks' confidence in Bridges' abilities and potential to be a cornerstone in their roster moving forward. Known for their rigorous expectations and passionate fanbase, the Knicks are betting on Bridges to provide depth and accuracy to their shooting game.
While the preseason numbers may give pause, they also serve as a reminder of the trials players often face as they refine their craft. Bridges enters the regular season with the opportunity to reset, drawing on his past successes and learning from recent setbacks. His commitment to rectifying his shooting mechanics could see a return to his usual dependable form. For Mikal Bridges and the New York Knicks, the true test will come as the competitive fire of the regular season brings fresh opportunities to rise and shine.