The New York Knicks have made a bold move to acquire Mikal Bridges, investing heavily in the emerging star by trading away five first-round picks. This strategic acquisition indicates the team's confidence in Bridges’ potential to elevate their performance in the coming seasons. However, his recent shooting struggles during the preseason have raised questions about his form ahead of the new season.
Shooting Concerns in Preseason
In a concerning display, Bridges went 0-for-10 from the three-point line in the Knicks’ preseason finale against the Washington Wizards. This performance capped a tough series of preseason games for the 3-and-D stalwart, where he managed just 2-for-19 from beyond the arc. These numbers starkly contrast with Bridges’ established reputation as a reliable shooter.
Despite these preseason struggles, Bridges’ career statistics paint a more optimistic picture. The forward boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Even during his worst shooting seasons, he has maintained a minimum of 36.1% accuracy from downtown. Last season, he managed to convert 37.2% of his career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game. This consistency underscores one of the main reasons the Knicks were willing to make such a significant trade to secure his talents.
Catch-and-Shoot Expertise
One of Bridges’ defining strengths is his efficiency in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Last season, he was the seventh-most active player in these situations, with 5.6 attempts per game, sinking them at an impressive 38.4% rate. This conversion rate ranked him third among players with comparable or greater attempts, affirming his prowess as a key offensive weapon who thrives on swift ball movement and open looks.
Adjustments and Evolution
Nevertheless, Bridges is no stranger to revising and refining his shooting technique. Reflecting on his journey since college, he shared, "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 ongoing battle to perfect his shooting form reveals a player dedicated to improvement and resilience.
These revelations from Bridges offer a layer of understanding to the recent preseason setbacks, suggesting they might be temporary fluctuations as he continues to refine his mechanics. The ongoing work he has put into his shot since his college days shows a commitment to overcoming hurdles and striving for consistent excellence.
Outlook for the Season
As the new season approaches, the Knicks' investment in Bridges suggests a long-term vision for the team, where they anticipate his form during regular-season play to align more closely with his past performance. With his ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the floor, Bridges is expected to be a cornerstone of the Knicks' strategy.
Despite the pressure of living up to the cost of his acquisition and overcoming recent shooting woes, Bridges has the track record and tenacity to bounce back. The Knicks, while perhaps concerned by his preseason shooting, likely see this period as a mere blip, confident in his ability to adjust and capitalize on his strengths.
Ultimately, the Knicks’ faith in Bridges will be tested in the coming months, as he works to integrate into their system and offers them the three-point shooting and defensive versatility they urgently seek. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if Bridges can repay the franchise's faith by becoming a key contributor in their quest for success.