Mikal Bridges: Shooting Struggles and Adjustments on the Horizon
Known for his prowess beyond the arc, Mikal Bridges has cemented his status as a reliable shooter in the NBA. With a career three-point shooting average of 37.5%, Bridges’ consistency has been a valuable asset throughout his professional tenure. Yet, as the preseason games unfold, the stark contrast in his shooting performance presents an unexpected narrative.
Recently acquired by the New York Knicks in a major offseason trade involving five first-round picks, Bridges is now in a transitional phase aspiring to bolster the Knicks' roster. As he adjusts to his new surroundings, his shooting form is once again in the spotlight. The preseason, a time traditionally reserved for experimentation and adjustment, saw Bridges struggle significantly, evidenced by his 2-for-19 performance from three-point range over four games against various teams, including a particularly tough outing against the Washington Wizards where he missed all ten attempts.
Despite the recent preseason slump, Bridges' track record showcases reliability and competence. Last season, while playing for the Brooklyn Nets, he maintained a 37.2% efficiency from three-point range on an impressive 7.2 attempts per game. Within the catch-and-shoot category, Bridges excelled, ranking seventh in NBA attempts with 5.6 per game and converting at a 38.4% success rate. Such statistics underscore his proven potential, making his recent challenges all the more curious.
Delving into the challenges Bridges faces unearths a struggle that dates back to his college days. "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," Bridges candidly shares. These mechanical issues with his shooting form have been persistent, with changes and tweaks marking the evolution of his play. "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," he elaborates. For Bridges, navigating these adjustments is part of the ongoing endeavor to regain footing and consistency.
The stakes are significant, given the investment the Knicks have placed in him. As they navigate a roster built on potential and performance, integrating a player of Bridges' caliber could be a transformative addition. Yet, this would require a recalibration of his form to the level his averages promise. His determination to refine his shot, guided by years of perseverance, is integral not only to his success but to the aspirations of his new team.
While the preseason statistics raise concerns, seasoned observers of the game understand that such periods are not definitive. Adjustments in style and strategy occasionally warrant periods of lower performance. With a career three-point percentage that never dipped below 36.1% in any season, Bridges' historical data offers a reassuring narrative of resilience and capability.
As the regular season looms, all eyes will be on Mikal Bridges to see if he can translate his practiced diligence into on-court success for the Knicks. The player’s journey ahead will not only be about overcoming mechanical difficulties but about fortifying a reputation that has already achieved notable milestones.
The essence of preseason is to make the necessary tweaks and set the stage for the games that matter. For Bridges and the Knicks, embracing this philosophy could lead to turning current challenges into opportunities for growth and triumph. The season ahead could well be a testament to Bridges' perseverance and the results of a summer's worth of refinement, patience, and adjustment for not just the player but the team he represents.