Mikal Bridges' Preseason Struggles: A Look at the Shooting Woes and Opportunities for Redemption
For seasoned NBA fans, Mikal Bridges' prowess from beyond the arc has been a staple of his game, with a commendable career average of 37.5% from three-point range. Yet, in a surprising and uncharacteristic outing, Bridges missed all ten of his three-point attempts in a recent preseason game against the Washington Wizards. This performance has sparked discussions about his shooting consistency and potential underlying causes.
Bridges' track record in the league speaks volumes about his capabilities. The forward has never recorded a season shooting below 36.1% from three-point range, an impressive feat considering the rigors and demands of the NBA. Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, he maintained a strong 37.2% efficiency from beyond the arc on 7.2 attempts per game. In terms of catch-and-shoot situations, Bridges ranked seventh in the league for attempts, firing 5.6 threes per game and converting 38.4% of those opportunities.
However, the narrative around Bridges' shooting form takes an intriguing turn when delving into his history of mechanical issues, a challenge he admits to having faced since his college days. As Bridges himself articulated, "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." His journey seems to be one of constant adjustment and adaptation, a hallmark of dedication to his craft.
Bridges further explained, "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." These words shed light on the ongoing battle he faces with his shot mechanics, a struggle that appears to manifest during times of change or disruption in routine, such as the preseason.
This recent preseason, marked by an overall shooting performance of just 2-for-19 from three-point range across four games, underscores the challenges that can arise even for the most seasoned players. Yet, the question remains: Is this a cause for serious concern, or merely a phase of experimentation and adjustment? The period before the regular season allows players to refine their techniques without the pressures of regular-season stat lines, offering a chance for improvement and recalibration.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Bridges' current situation is his recent acquisition by the New York Knicks, in what was a headline-making move that involved the trade of five first-round picks. This places Bridges in a new environment, possibly requiring further adaptation to different coaching styles, tactical demands, or even changes in team dynamics. Such transitions are rarely seamless and often necessitate a period of adjustment, both on and off the court.
For fans of the Knicks, and the league at large, the upcoming season is filled with anticipation about how Bridges will integrate into his new team's system. Will he find his rhythm and establish the shooting consistency expected from a player of his caliber? Or will this narrative of mechanical adjustments persist throughout the season?
Only time will tell if Mikal Bridges can overcome the preseason shooting slump and regain the form that has made him one of the notable three-point shooters in the league. However, his history suggests resilience and a deep-rooted commitment to improvement, qualities that bode well for surmounting the challenges ahead. As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Bridges, not just to watch every shot he takes, but to see how he navigates this pivotal moment in his career.