The offseason acquisition of Mikal Bridges by the New York Knicks set the NBA community abuzz, thanks to the high stakes involved—five first-round picks traded for the versatile forward. But while much of the focus has been on what Bridges can bring to the Knicks defensively and in transitional play, his shooting has recently become a topic of considerable analysis, especially from the arc, where he has traditionally excelled.
A Proven Threat from Deep
Throughout his career, Bridges has been known for his solid three-point shooting, boasting a career average of 37.5%. This proficiency makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to stretch the floor and capitalize on perimeter scoring. Even last season with the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges managed to maintain a 37.2% efficiency from beyond the arc, taking 7.2 attempts per game. His performance placed him among the more reliable shooters in the league. Particularly in catch-and-shoot scenarios, Bridges has excelled, ranking seventh in the NBA with 5.6 attempts per game, converting a remarkable 38.4% of these opportunities.
Preseason Woes and Experimentation
However, the preseason has not been kind to Bridges as he attempts to find his rhythm with the Knicks. Shooting a dismal 2 of 19 from three-point range over four games, including a notably tough outing against the Washington Wizards where he missed all ten of his attempts, Bridges' long-range prowess seems to be in a temporary slump. Preseason is often a period earmarked for experimentation and adjustment, which might explain the dip in his shooting numbers. Nonetheless, it has raised some concerns about his form heading into the regular season.
Mechanics Matter
Bridges has been open about the mechanical challenges he has faced with his shooting form. It's a journey that dates back to his college days and has continued throughout his professional career. "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 shared. This insight offers a glimpse into the persistent efforts and complications that have marked his shooting form's evolution. "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," he added, highlighting the perpetual nature of refining his shooting technique.
High Stakes and High Hopes
The Knicks’ management and fanbase alike have high hopes for Bridges' contribution to the team's success this season. The hefty price tag of five first-round picks underscores the belief in his capabilities and the expectation that he will soon find his form from deep. While his preseason shooting struggles draw attention, they do not overshadow his historical performance or the potential impact he can make.
In the NBA, players often experience ebbs and flows in their shooting efficiency, and for a player like Bridges, who has never dropped below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage in his career, confidence that he will bounce back is warranted. As the regular season looms, all eyes will be on Bridges to see if the adjustments and rigorous efforts to finesse his mechanics will translate into his usual reliable shooting.
Mikal Bridges, it seems, is on a familiar but challenging journey to align his shooting mechanics with his natural talent. As the season unfolds, he remains a fascinating player to watch, both for his potential game-changing contributions to the Knicks and as a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection in professional sports.