The New York Knicks made waves in the offseason by acquiring Mikal Bridges in exchange for five first-round picks. The bold move reflects the franchise's confidence in Bridges' ability to impact games positively. However, the excitement is tempered by Bridges' recent struggles from the three-point line during the preseason. In the final exhibition game against the Washington Wizards, the 27-year-old went 0-for-10 from beyond the arc, an uncharacteristic performance for a player known for his shooting prowess.
Throughout four preseason games, Bridges has had difficulty finding his rhythm, shooting just 2-for-19 from three-point range. This stands in stark contrast to his career statistics, which show a reliable three-point shooter with a career percentage of 37.5%. Since entering the NBA, Bridges has maintained a consistent level of shooting efficiency, having never shot below 36.1% from downtown in any season.
Last season marked a significant milestone in Bridges' career as he averaged a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game, converting them at a 37.2% clip. His proficiency was further highlighted in catch-and-shoot situations, where he was the seventh-most active player in the league, attempting 5.6 shots per game. His 38.4% success rate in these scenarios ranked him third among players with comparable or greater attempts, underscoring his efficiency in a high-pressure role.
Adjustments and Challenges
Bridges' shooting challenges in the preseason may be linked to mechanical adjustments he has been making throughout his career. Reflecting on his journey, Bridges remarked, "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." He elaborated on the challenges he has faced, noting, "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' candid reflection on his ongoing struggle suggests that the preseason slump may be a temporary setback rather than a sign of a long-term problem. His commitment to refining his technique over the years points to a player who is not only aware of his weaknesses but is also proactively addressing them.
The Road Ahead
With the regular season fast approaching, all eyes will be on Bridges to see if he returns to form. Knicks fans and analysts alike are hopeful that his preseason woes are nothing more than a minor hiccup in an otherwise promising career. Given his track record, the odds are in Bridges' favor. A proven talent, he has consistently delivered under pressure, establishing himself as a dependable perimeter shooter capable of impacting games both on offense and defense.
The Knicks' strategy in acquiring Bridges clearly signals a long-term vision for the team's development. No franchise parts with five first-round picks lightly; the investment underscores the confidence placed in Bridges' abilities to transcend his current shooting slump and restore his reputation as one of the league's top shooters.
As the Knicks prepare to embark on a new season, Bridges' journey will undoubtedly be one of the key narratives to follow. Can he shake off the preseason jitters and rise to the expectations set by himself, his team, and the fervent New York fan base? His response to the early challenges will determine not only his contribution to the Knicks but also the payoff of one of the most talked-about trades of the offseason.
For now, Bridges continues to grind, refining his craft and focusing on the process rather than the outcome. As he readjusts, there's cautious optimism that the player the Knicks have bet so heavily on will emerge with a renewed confidence and the shooting touch that has defined his career thus far.