In a surprising move during the offseason, the New York Knicks made a significant gamble by acquiring Mikal Bridges in exchange for five first-round picks. Bridges, known for his reliability on the floor and his sharp shooting from beyond the arc, had established a solid reputation during his time in the NBA. However, the preseason did not unfold the way the Knicks and their new acquisition would have hoped.
Preseason Struggles from Downtown
As the preseason games wrapped up, the spotlight turned to Bridges' performance—or lack thereof—especially from the three-point line. In the Knicks' final preseason encounter with the Washington Wizards, Bridges struggled mightily, going 0-for-10 on three-point attempts. This game was a microcosm of his preseason woes as he managed just 2-for-19 on three-point shooting across four games.
These figures starkly contrast with Bridges' career three-point shooting average of 37.5%. Since his NBA debut, Bridges has never recorded a season with a three-point percentage below 36.1%. Last season, he achieved a 37.2% conversion rate while attempting a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game, suggesting that his current preseason form may be an anomaly rather than a trend.
Consistent Contributor
To understand Bridges' regular-season potential, it's vital to revisit his past performances. A significant portion of Bridges' attempts come from catch-and-shoot circumstances, where his prowess is well-documented. Last season, he was among the league's most active players in such situations, ranking seventh with 5.6 attempts per game. His efficiency in these moments was undeniable, boasting a 38.4% conversion rate, which placed him third among players with similar or greater shot volume.
Despite this preseason slump, it’s clear that Bridges has a proven track record of success. His shooting consistency has been a boon for his teams, and there’s little reason for the Knicks to doubt his ability to return to form as the regular season unfolds.
Aiming for Consistency
Beyond the numbers, Bridges himself has been candid about his work on refining his shooting mechanics. Reflecting on his journey, Bridges noted, "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."
This insight into his continuous efforts speaks to Bridges' dedication to his craft. The tweaking of his shot since his college days demonstrates both the challenges and the resilience he has faced. His transparency about these struggles may endear him further to both fans and teammates, as they rally behind him in anticipation of his rejuvenation.
The Road Ahead for the Knicks and Bridges
The decision to trade for Bridges reflects the Knicks' commitment to building a formidable roster. While the cost of five first-round picks is steep, the potential rewards are equally high should Bridges rediscover his shooting touch. It’s a calculated risk for a franchise that is eager to climb back into the upper echelons of the Eastern Conference.
As the regular season looms, the Knicks will be eager to see Bridges shake off his preseason jitters. His proven ability to perform in high-volume shooting situations and his historical consistency offer hope that he will soon find his rhythm. Should Bridges regain his form, the trade could be viewed as a masterstroke, provided he can contribute to the team's success with his established shooting acumen.
In the world of professional sports, slumps can quickly be forgotten with a few strong performances. Bridges' career suggests that the current struggles are but a temporary setback. As the Knicks prepare to take on the challenges of the new season, all eyes will be on Mikal Bridges to see if he can once again become the sharpshooting force that has made him a stalwart in the league.