As the NBA preseason draws to a close, the New York Knicks' acquisition of Mikal Bridges comes with both anticipation and curiosity. The Knicks gave up a formidable haul of five first-round picks to bring Bridges into their roster. While his recent performances may not have shined as brightly as hoped, there's plenty in Bridges' track record that suggests brighter days lie ahead.
An Uncharacteristic Slump
In the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges endured a tough shooting night, missing all ten of his attempts from the three-point line. This capped a preseason where he struggled with his range, hitting only 2 out of 19 shots from beyond the arc across four games.
Such numbers are not what Knicks fans expect from a player who has proven himself as a reliable shooter in the past. Over his NBA career, Bridges has maintained a commendable three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, never dipping below 36.1% in any season since entering the league.
Understanding the Context
Despite his recent hurdles, Bridges' historical performance paints a picture of a consistent shooter. Last season, he took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game, connecting at a 37.2% rate. More intriguing is his prowess in catch-and-shoot situations, a skill that the Knicks will likely aim to harness. Identified as the seventh-most active player in this category last season, Bridges attempted 5.6 catch-and-shoot threes per game, converting them at an impressive 38.4% rate. This efficiency placed him third among players with a similar volume of attempts.
The Journey to Consistency
Delving into Bridges' journey to consistency offers insights into his shooting form. "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," Bridges candidly shares.
This quote reveals a dedicated athlete constantly refining his craft, an ongoing process from collegiate success to becoming a key player in the NBA. Such diligence suggests that while recent setbacks are noticeable, Bridges possesses both the determination and the ability to adjust and improve.
Looking Forward
The Knicks are banking on Bridges' ability to bounce back. His track record provides a foundation of confidence for the team and its fans. As the regular season kicks off, the focus will be on how he integrates into the team's dynamics, and whether he can regain the form that made him a significant acquisition.
Mikal Bridges' journey with the Knicks is poised to be a fascinating storyline. While the stakes are high given the investment made to acquire him, his past performances suggest a capacity for delivering precisely what the team needs. The upcoming season will be pivotal for both Bridges and the Knicks to realize the potential embedded in this high-profile trade.