In a bold offseason move, the New York Knicks secured Mikal Bridges, a player known for his defensive prowess and effective outside shooting, albeit at the cost of five first-round picks. Bridges, whose reliable three-point shooting has been a cornerstone of his career, has been grappling with inconsistency from beyond the arc during the preseason.
Shooting Struggles in Preseason
During a recent preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges had a night to forget. The swingman went 0-for-10 from the three-point line, capping off a discouraging stretch where he managed just 2-for-19 over four preseason games. Such performances are uncharacteristic for Bridges, who boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5% and has never dipped below 36.1% since entering the NBA.
This season, expectations are high for Bridges, especially considering his output last year. He attempted a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game during the previous season, connecting at a 37.2% rate. Despite his preseason struggles, the Knicks and Bridges are hopeful that these are merely early season jitters.
Consistency Amid Challenges
Bridges's style has often focused heavily on catch-and-shoot situations. Last season, he became the seventh-most active player in the league in such moments, hoisting 5.6 tries per game. His impressive 38.4% conversion rate in these situations positioned him as the third-most efficient among players with similar or greater attempts. This success underscores the potential for Bridges to regain form as he acclimates to his new surroundings in New York.
Journey to Refine Technique
The quest for shooting perfection has been a persistent theme in Bridges's career. Reflecting on his development, Bridges 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 words reveal a journey marked by adjustment and the pursuit of consistency—a familiar narrative for many players striving to transition collegiate success to the professional level.
Looking Ahead
For Bridges, the preseason may have illuminated some challenges, but it also highlighted the areas ripe for improvement. As the regular season beckons, the Knicks will rely heavily on Bridges to elevate his game, particularly from long range. With a track record of overcoming shooting slumps and his ongoing dedication to refining his technique, there remains cautious optimism around his ability to deliver when it counts.
The Knicks' investment in Bridges, while hefty, speaks volumes of their belief in his capacity to contribute significantly on both ends of the floor. As fans and analysts alike stay tuned to his performance, the narrative of Bridges's shooting journey adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming NBA season.