In a surprising move that stirred the NBA community, the New York Knicks decided to invest heavily in acquiring forward Mikal Bridges, parting with five first-round picks to bring him into the fold. The high-stakes trade has generated substantial buzz, with fans eagerly anticipating how Bridges will integrate into the Knicks' system and elevate their gameplay. Despite being a proven asset on the floor, recent performances have raised questions about his shooting precision.
Shooting Struggles in Preseason
Bridges' preseason showing was less than stellar, culminating in a particularly challenging outing against the Washington Wizards. His 0-for-10 performance from beyond the arc in the finale was the spotlight of discussions, capping off a series of games where he struggled to find his rhythm. Across four preseason appearances, Bridges' three-point shooting was a mere 2-for-19, leaving fans and analysts alike concerned about his current shooting form.
For a player with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, these numbers are uncharacteristic. Bridges' consistency has been a hallmark since his entry into the league, where he has never dipped below a 36.1% accuracy rate from downtown. Last season, he took a career-high 7.2 attempts per game, connecting at a steady 37.2% rate, which underscores the recent struggles as an anomaly rather than the norm.
Previous Performance and Catch-and-Shoot Prowess
Analyzing his past performance, Bridges excelled in catch-and-shoot situations during the previous season. He was noted as the seventh-most active player in this role, with an average of 5.6 attempts per game. His success rate of 38.4% ranked him third in efficiency among peers with similar or more attempts, painting a picture of a player who can perform under the rigors of tight defense and fast-paced play.
This ability to thrive in catch-and-shoot scenarios is an invaluable component of Bridges' skill set, making his recent hiccup in shooting all the more puzzling. However, the revamped Knicks lineup could benefit greatly from Bridges reclaiming his shooting ethos, given his past performances.
A Continuing Journey
Bridges himself has candidly spoken about his ongoing journey in perfecting his shooting form. Reflecting on his career, he said, "Ever since I got into the league, [I've] 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 transparent admission reveals the persistent effort Bridges puts into maintaining and improving his craft, shedding light on the mental and physical adjustments professional athletes endure to remain competitive at the highest level. It also provides context for the preseason shooting woes, suggesting they may be part of a broader narrative of continuous refinement rather than a permanent decline.
Anticipation and Expectations
As the regular season looms, the Knicks and their supporters remain hopeful that Bridges can quickly rebound and replicate the stellar shooting efficiency he has historically demonstrated. The expiry of preseason jitters and adaptations to a new team environment could be just the remedy needed for Bridges to recalibrate his renowned three-point accuracy.
With an impressive track record of performance, regular season action will be the true test as to whether Mikal Bridges can maintain the lofty expectations set by his past achievements. As the Knicks aim to leverage their strengthened roster, Bridges’ ability to effectively stretch the floor and execute pivotal shots will be crucial. As the games unfold, all eyes will be on this dynamic player’s quest to refine his shooting prowess and write the next chapter in his career with New York.