The summer shakeup in the NBA saw Mikal Bridges head to the New York Knicks in exchange for five coveted first-round picks. This marked a significant investment by the Knicks, signaling their confidence in Bridges as a cornerstone for the team's future. However, as preseason unfolded, Bridges' performance painted a picture of a player still finding his rhythm under the bright lights of New York.
The Preseason Struggles
In the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges struggled, going 0-for-10 from the three-point line. This capped off a series of challenging games, where over four preseason contests, his three-point shooting was a concerning 2-for-19. Such numbers are atypical for a player with Bridges' track record, raising eyebrows and questions about his fit and form.
Despite these early struggles, Bridges' career statistics tell a different story. With a career three-point shooting percentage standing at an impressive 37.5%, Bridges has consistently been a reliable shooter from beyond the arc. Throughout his career, the forward has never dipped below a 36.1% shooting accuracy from downtown, underscoring his capability as a premier perimeter threat.
A Proven Track Record
Last season, Bridges took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game, completing them at a 37.2% clip. His proficiency extended to being highly active in catch-and-shoot situations, where he was the seventh-most active player last season with 5.6 attempts per game. These attempts yielded a 38.4% conversion rate, ranking him as the third-most efficient among those with similar or more attempts. Such statistics highlight Bridges' potential and reassure both fans and analysts about his place in the Knicks’ roster.
The Ongoing Evolution
Bridges himself seems acutely aware of the peaks and valleys in his shooting journey. Reflecting on his career, he remarked, "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 admission underscores the resilience and commitment Bridges brings to his craft, illustrating the continuous adjustments a player must make to maintain and improve their performance. His journey is a testament to the constant effort professional athletes invest in refining their skills.
Looking Forward
As the regular season approaches, Mikal Bridges will look to shake off the preseason shooting woes and showcase the dependable shooting touch Knicks' fans hope to see. The Knicks' bold move to trade for Bridges illustrates a belief in his ability to not only overcome current challenges but also to elevate the team’s performance with his proven skill set.
Ultimately, the transition to a new team—especially one with the storied and demanding halo of Madison Square Garden—requires time, patience, and adaptation. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Mikal Bridges settles into his role on the Knicks. If history is any indicator, there is confidence that his form will return, allowing him to prove his worth in one of basketball's most scrutinized arenas.