Bridges Striving to Reconnect with his College Shooting Form
Mikal Bridges, a player renowned for his proficiency from three-point range, is in the midst of an intriguing journey. Despite boasting a commendable career average of 37.5% from beyond the arc, the New York Knicks' recent acquisition is grappling with mechanical challenges that have haunted him since his college days. "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," revealed Bridges, underscoring the long-standing nature of his struggle.
During his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges emerged as a reliable three-point shooter, finishing the previous season with a 37.2% efficiency from deep on 7.2 attempts per game. His ability in catch-and-shoot situations was particularly remarkable, ranking seventh in the NBA with 5.6 attempts per game and converting a solid 38.4% of them. Nevertheless, even a proven track record could not shield Bridges from a dismal preseason outing, where he sank only two of his nineteen three-point attempts over four games, including a forgettable zero for ten against the Washington Wizards.
Preseason Trials and Adjustments
Preseason games offer a platform for players like Bridges to recalibrate and address any lingering issues ahead of the regular season. It’s an experimental phase, as players adjust to new teams and tweak their gameplay. Bridges, recently acquired by the Knicks in exchange for five first-round draft picks, acknowledged the importance of this period for personal adjustments. Reflecting on his shot, he recalled, "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 shooting mechanics have faced scrutiny since those early modifications post-college. The quest to rectify his form has been marred by adjustments that led to the formation of a hitch. A seven-year endeavor to refine his shooting stroke illustrates both his dedication and the complexity of maintaining form while competing at the highest level.
Aiming for Consistency
In his professional career, Bridges has managed to steer clear of dipping below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage in any given season. This consistency underscores his resilience and adaptability, even as he seeks to harmonize his shooting mechanics with the demands of the NBA. Such statistics not only reflect Bridges’ reliability as a shooter but also highlight his potential to be a pivotal asset for the Knicks.
Despite recent preseason struggles, Bridges remains a prized acquisition for the Knicks. The trade reflects the franchise's confidence in his ability to overcome his shooting hurdles and contribute substantially. The Knicks are betting on his talent to seamlessly blend with their system as they aim for greater achievements.
As the regular season looms, Bridges' quest to reclaim his collegiate shooting form continues to be a captivating narrative. With each practice and game, he comes a step closer to resolving the enduring mechanical challenges. His journey serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit players must sometimes undertake to refine their skills and make a mark in the competitive landscape of the NBA.