The New York Knicks' acquisition of Mikal Bridges has been a topic of intense conversation and scrutiny in the basketball world. The Knicks' move to trade five first-round picks for Bridges indicates their executive team sees in him the potential to be a cornerstone of their franchise. While his preseason performance has been underwhelming, history suggests his recent struggles won't persist.
The Preseason Struggles
Bridges' preseason performance, which saw him going a dismal 0-for-10 from the three-point line in the finale against the Washington Wizards, has raised eyebrows. Across four preseason games, his three-point shooting statistics totaled a mere 2-for-19. This slump stands in stark contrast to Bridges' established reputation as a reliable shooter from beyond the arc.
A Proven Sharpshooter
Throughout his NBA career, Bridges has been a consistently dependable threat from three-point territory, boasting a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Remarkably, he's never shot below 36.1% in any season since entering the league. Last season, Bridges attempted three-pointers at an unparalleled rate, taking a career-high 7.2 attempts per game and connecting at a 37.2% clip. His proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations is particularly noteworthy; with 5.6 attempts per game, he ranked as the seventh-most active player in such scenarios, converting 38.4% of these attempts. This rate positioned him as the third-most efficient shooter among players with similar or more attempts per game.
A Career in Progress
Mikal Bridges has been candid about his ongoing efforts to refine his shooting technique. "Ever since I got into the league, been trying to fix it back to when I was in college," Bridges remarked. "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."
Bridges' admission highlights the nuanced journey of an NBA player, where even minute mechanical adjustments can impact performance. His quote reflects the continuous diligence and resilience required to maintain competitive excellence in the league.
The Knicks' Calculated Gamble
The decision by the Knicks to acquire Bridges and invest heavily in his potential speaks volumes about their long-term strategy. In a league where sharpshooters are invaluable, Bridges' capability to stretch the floor and his proven track record make him a coveted asset. The five first-round picks surrendered demonstrate the franchise's commitment to solidifying their roster with established talent capable of immediate impact.
While preseason numbers can spark concern, they are often not indicative of a player's regular-season contributions. Transitioning to a new team comes with its share of adjustments, and the Knicks are clearly betting on Bridges' ability to acclimate and thrive in their system. As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Bridges to see if he can shake off the preseason rust and continue to be the reliable perimeter threat the basketball world knows him to be.
Bridges' journey adds a layer of intrigue to the Knicks' upcoming season. As a player who continues to strive for perfection in his craft, he embodies the determination and resilience that fans hope will translate into success on the court.