Mikal Bridges: A Tale of Adaptation and Performance
In a significant move, the New York Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, an addition that cost the team five first-round picks. Bridges, renowned for his shooting prowess, brings a reputation and a challenge to Madison Square Garden. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, Bridges has been a reliable shooter since his entrance into the NBA, never dropping below 36.1% from downtown. Yet, recent performances in the preseason have sparked conversation, raising questions about his shooting form and consistency.
During his final preseason outing against the Washington Wizards, Bridges faced a sharp contrast to his usual reliable standards, going 0-for-10 from the three-point line. This performance contributed to an overall preseason showing of 2-for-19 from beyond the arc. While preseason games are often considered dress rehearsals for the real deal, such deviations from his norm have not gone unnoticed.
Reflecting on his journey with his shooting mechanics, Bridges revealed, "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."
Bridges' acknowledgment of his struggle points to the complexity of maintaining and improving shooting form once a player reaches the professional level. Adapting and adjusting are perpetual processes, and Bridges’ honesty about his efforts illuminates the mental and technical aspects of honing a crucial basketball skill.
Despite his recent struggles, last season demonstrated Bridges' capacity to adapt and excel. In his most prolific season to date, he attempted a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game, connecting at a 37.2% clip. Notably, he was the seventh-most active player in the league in catch-and-shoot situations, averaging 5.6 attempts per game in this context. He thrived particularly well in such scenarios, achieving a 38.4% conversion rate, which ranked him as the third-most efficient player among his peers with similar or more attempts per game.
Bridges' ability to find success in catch-and-shoot situations underscores his adaptability and readiness to seize opportunities within games. This is a valuable skill set for the Knicks, who look to leverage his strengths as they chase competitive fortunes in the upcoming season. His shooting accuracy in these settings not only signals proficiency but also a player who can thrive under set plays and structured offensive systems.
The Knicks' investment in Bridges reflects not just a belief in his current ability, but also his potential to evolve as a cornerstone of their roster. His career trajectory thus far, marked by resilience and improvement, aligns with the Knicks' strategic approach. With the changes he's undergone, the team trusts that his preseason shooting woes will be a temporary setback rather than a persistent issue.
As Bridges and the Knicks enter the new season, the narrative surrounding his shooting form and performance will be an interesting subplot to follow. Can he regain his sharpshooter status and bring his career averages into regular season play? Will the hitch that once challenged him resurface, or will his continuous efforts to refine his technique yield steady results?
Whatever transpires, the Knicks have added a player with demonstrated talent and determination. Bridges' journey underscores the continuous pursuit of excellence and adaptation at the highest levels of competition. The Knicks, in acquiring Bridges, have obtained not just a player, but a testament to resilience, offering hope and intrigue for fans and analysts alike.