In a pivotal off-season move, the New York Knicks made headlines by acquiring sharpshooter Mikal Bridges, parting ways with five first-round picks in the exchange. Bridges, known for his perimeter proficiency, arrives in the Big Apple with much anticipation. Yet, the preseason offered a glimpse at the challenges that lie ahead for the young player.
Bridges struggled significantly in the Knicks' preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, going 0-for-10 from beyond the arc. Over the course of four preseason games, he posted a concerning 2-for-19 from three-point range. While these numbers might cause some trepidation among Knicks fans and coaching staff, they barely scratch the surface of the complete picture that Bridges paints as a three-point threat in the league.
A Proven Marksmanship
Despite these recent woes, Bridges brings with him a reputable career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. His consistency from downtown has never dipped below 36.1%, hinting at an aberration rather than a trend in his current struggles. Last season, he demonstrated a capacity for high-volume shooting, attempting a career-high 7.2 threes per game and converting them at a 37.2% clip.
The former college star has made his mark as a catch-and-shoot specialist. Last year, Bridges stood as the seventh-most active player in catch-and-shoot situations, averaging 5.6 attempts per game and displaying a striking 38.4% conversion rate. This efficiency was good enough to rank him as the third-most proficient among players with similar or more attempts, reinforcing his reputation as a valuable asset in the Knicks' offensive arsenal.
A Continuous Evolution
Mikal Bridges' journey to maintaining his shooting prowess has been an ongoing battle since his college days. Reflecting on his journey, Bridges stated, "Ever since I got into the league, [I've] 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."
This honest introspection reveals a player who understands the need for continuous improvement. His resolve to rectify and refine his shooting mechanics speaks volumes of his dedication to remaining an offensive threat in the NBA landscape.
Looking Ahead
While his preseason performance may not reflect the type of player Knicks fans hope to see, it's important to contextualize Mikal Bridges' capabilities through the lens of his past achievements. Preseason games often serve as a laboratory for players to tweak and adjust their skills without the pressure of regular-season consequences.
The Knicks' investment in Bridges is a gamble, but one based on a calculated understanding of his potential to contribute significantly in high-stakes scenarios. As the regular season looms ahead, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Bridges can shake off the rust and deliver the long-range accuracy he is renowned for.
In a league where perimeter shooting continues to define offensive success, having a player like Bridges, who can stretch defenses and capitalize on catch-and-shoot opportunities, remains invaluable. Though the preseason hasn't been kind to him, his career statistics and unwavering determination suggest brighter days may be on the horizon.