For Mikal Bridges, skill from beyond the arc has been a hallmark of his professional career. Holding a career average of 37.5% from three-point range, Bridges has consistently showcased his sharpshooting capability since entering the NBA. However, recent developments in his preseason performance have sparked discussions about his form and technique, which date back to his college days.
In a recent preseason clash with the Washington Wizards, Bridges faced an unexpected hurdle, missing all ten of his three-point attempts. Such a performance is a rarity for the sharpshooter, who has never dipped below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage in any regular NBA season. This anomaly in his performance follows a preceding preseason stretch where he converted only 2 of his 19 attempts from deep over four games. These figures have nudged observers to reflect on Bridges’ persistent mechanical challenges in his shooting form.
The Journey of Adjustment
Bridges' journey with his shooting technique has been long and arduous. "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 shared. His history of mechanical tweaks began when he first emerged from college. "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.
This narrative of ongoing adjustments is not uncommon among NBA players, who constantly strive to refine their craft. Yet, for Bridges, whose output from beyond the arc has been a key feature of his offensive arsenal, these challenges take on an elevated significance. Despite these ongoing issues, the 25-year-old forward has managed to maintain a respectable shooting efficiency, last year recording 37.2% from three-point range on 7.2 attempts per game. Furthermore, he ranked seventh in the league in catch-and-shoot scenarios, where he attempted 5.6 shots per game and converted 38.4% of those attempts. These statistics underline his potential impact for any team fortunate enough to have him on their roster.
A New Chapter with the Knicks
The New York Knicks recognized Bridges’ on-court value and moved decisively to acquire him during the offseason. In a substantial trade deal, the Knicks parted with five first-round picks to bring Bridges into the fold. His addition marks a significant strategic investment, reflective of his capacity to elevate team performance with his skilled shooting and tenacity.
Preseason has historically been a time for players to experiment and adapt, and Bridges’ current trajectory resonates with this well-trodden narrative. Amidst a backdrop of preseason struggle, the focus remains on the long-term benefits of these adjustments and the recalibration of his shooting form. Despite his recent downturn in shooting metrics during the preseason, Bridges' career numbers and reliability suggest a return to form is more a matter of 'when' than 'if'.
The Road Ahead
As Bridges prepares for the regular season, the Knicks and their supporters will undoubtedly be keen to witness the refined aspects of his game mesh with his already impressive skill set. Ultimately, how he surmounts the quirks in his shooting technique will be critical in determining his success on the court. Considering his career trajectory and remarks, there is measured confidence that Bridges will find the optimal balance in his form that harks back to his initial days in the league.
While the preseason struggles offer a cautionary glimpse into the complexities of adjusting shooting techniques at the professional level, Bridges’ potential impact remains undiminished. His career thus far, marked by consistent perimeter shooting, positions him as a pivotal component in the Knicks' strategy as they vie for a successful season. Both fans and team executives alike will await the unfolding of Bridges’ journey with anticipation, eager for the sharpshooter to once again demonstrate his prowess from three-point land.