The New York Knicks made headlines with their recent acquisition of Mikal Bridges, a move that cost them five first-round picks. The franchise is betting on Bridges' potential to elevate their game, notably in perimeter shooting, an area where he has historically excelled. But while Bridges' career has been marked by impressive shooting stats, his recent performance in the preseason has raised eyebrows.
A Rough Preseason for Bridges
In the Knicks' preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges struggled significantly, going 0-for-10 from the three-point line. This performance capped a problematic preseason stretch where he managed only 2-for-19 from beyond the arc over four games. For a player known for his marksmanship, these numbers are certainly out of character.
Despite these setbacks, Mikal Bridges’ track record provides a context that may reassure Knicks fans. Since entering the NBA, Bridges has maintained a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5% and has never dipped below 36.1% from downtown in any season. These stats underline his reliability as a shooter, suggesting that his preseason showing might just be a temporary blip rather than a harbinger of long-term struggles.
Consistency in Spot-Up Situations
Last season, Bridges demonstrated his prowess in catch-and-shoot scenarios, averaging 5.6 attempts per game and achieving a remarkable 38.4% conversion rate. This made him the third-most efficient player among those with similar or higher attempts. Moreover, he attempted a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game last season, connecting at a healthy 37.2% rate. These figures underscore how critical Bridges’ shooting has been—and likely will continue to be—for his team’s performance.
The Evolution of a Shooter
Bridges' shooting form has undergone considerable evolution since his college days, and he candidly reflected on his ongoing journey to refine his shot. "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," Bridges said. "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 honest appraisal offers insight into the challenges Bridges has faced and his relentless pursuit of improvement. His determination to recapture the form that made him a standout in college demonstrates his commitment to adapting and excelling at the highest level of the sport.
Outlook for the Season
The Knicks' decision to invest heavily in Bridges signals their confidence in his ability to contribute significantly on the court. Although his preseason stats are less than ideal, his established track record presents a strong argument for optimism. The NBA regular season is as much a psychological battle as it is a physical one, and Bridges’ mental fortitude could prove pivotal to rediscovering his shooting touch.
As he integrates with his new teammates and adapts to a new system, Mikal Bridges will be tested in ways that transcend statistics. If his past resilience and performance are any indication, he might soon turn the preseason woes into a forgotten chapter. For the Knicks and their fans, the hope is that Bridges will elevate his game to meet the expectations attached to those five first-round picks.