For Mikal Bridges, a player renowned for his sharp shooting from beyond the arc, the recent preseason performances have been a stark contrast to his usual prowess. Known for maintaining a career average of 37.5% from three-point range, Bridges faced an unusual slump during the preseason, hitting just 2 out of 19 attempts over four games. This included a challenging outing where he went 0-for-10 against the Washington Wizards.
Given his history, it’s surprising to witness such numbers from Bridges. Over his career, he has never fallen below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage in any NBA season. These credentials underscore the notion that his preseason struggles are not reflective of his usual standard. Last year, while playing for the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges shot 37.2% from three-point range, with an average of 7.2 attempts per game. Furthermore, in the catch-and-shoot category, he was exceptional, ranking seventh in the league with 5.6 attempts per game and converting 38.4% of these opportunities.
Understanding Bridges' current shooting struggles requires delving into his ongoing adjustments. As he explains, "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 shooting form has been under scrutiny since his college days, and while attempts to refine it have been constant, he acknowledges the complexity of the process. "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 reflects.
Such openness about mechanical issues reveals a key aspect of Bridges’ journey—a player committed to his craft and aware of the necessity for continuous improvement. Despite these challenges, it’s important to appreciate the preseason for what it is: a time for experimentation and adjustment. This period offers players like Bridges the opportunity to tweak and refine their gameplay without the burden of regular-season pressures.
This offseason, the New York Knicks made a bold move by acquiring Bridges, trading five first-round picks to secure his talents. Such a significant investment indicates the level of trust and belief the franchise has in Bridges' abilities, despite the recent shooting woes. The Knicks see value in his defensive versatility and scoring potential, qualities they've prioritized as they aim to fortify their lineup.
As with any athlete striving to readjust and reassert their strengths, Bridges’ path to rediscovering his shooting touch will require patience and perseverance. His track record suggests that this slump is a temporary phase, one that he will likely overcome as the season progresses. With his determination and the support of the Knicks organization, Bridges is poised to restore his reputation as one of the league’s reliable sharpshooters.
In the grand tapestry of an athlete's career, periods of struggle often precede resurgences. For Mikal Bridges, these preseason struggles might well be the precursor to a breakthrough when the regular season commences. The stakes are indeed high, but so is the opportunity for Bridges to reaffirm his status as a vital offensive weapon for the Knicks, leveraging his proven skill set and unyielding work ethic.