Mikal Bridges: New York Knicks' Bold Gamble and Shooting Struggles
The New York Knicks have made a significant move in acquiring Mikal Bridges, evident from the formidable haul they surrendered—an astonishing five first-round picks. This transaction underscores how highly the Knicks value Bridges' potential impact on their roster. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how Bridges integrates into the team's system and whether he can elevate his game to meet the expectations that accompany such a substantial investment.
However, early signs from the preseason suggest that Bridges might need time to adjust. His performance in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards was a night to forget, as he failed to convert any of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc. Overall, his preseason record stands at a dismal 2-for-19 from the three-point line. This performance starkly contrasts his career narrative of being a reliable shooter, with a career three-point shooting average of 37.5%.
Such statistics from the preseason might cause concern among Knicks supporters. After all, Bridges has established himself as a consistent perimeter threat in the NBA. His numbers speak volumes about his capabilities: he has never dipped below a 36.1% shooting rate from downtown since entering the league. Moreover, last season, he took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game, maintaining a 37.2% conversion rate, demonstrating his propensity to shoot confidently and efficiently even amidst high volume.
A particularly standout area of his game has been his proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations. Bridges was the seventh-most active player last season, launching 5.6 attempts per game in such scenarios. Impressively, he converted 38.4% of these attempts, ranking him third in efficiency among players with similar or more attempts per game. This ability to excel in quick catch-and-release plays is something Knicks fans will hope to see replicated on the court this season.
Despite these strengths, the preseason's shooting woes suggest some adjustments might be necessary. Bridges himself acknowledges challenges in maintaining his form throughout his professional career. He reflects, "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." His quest to perfect his shooting technique reveals a dedication to his craft—something both the Knicks and their fans will find reassuring.
The road ahead for Bridges is clear. The Knicks have placed their trust in him, expecting not only performances akin to his past successes but also evolution into a more formidable presence on the court. How he manages his shooting mechanics and adapts to the team dynamics will play a significant role in dictating the Knicks' fortunes this season.
For Bridges, this season with the Knicks offers a fresh opportunity. While the preseason struggles might hint at initial challenges, his track record suggests this might just be a transitional phase. With the weight of significant expectations upon him, his ability to overcome these hurdles will be crucial in defining his trajectory with the team.
The Knicks, in acquiring Bridges, have signaled their intent to mold a potent and dynamic roster. Fans can only hope that this bold acquisition pays off, bringing back the era of sustained success to the storied franchise. As the season progresses, the narrative of Mikal Bridges with the Knicks promises to be one of the most closely watched storylines in the NBA.