Mikal Bridges: Examining the Knicks’ Latest Acquisition and His Shooting Struggles
The New York Knicks made a bold move this offseason by acquiring the talented Mikal Bridges in exchange for a hefty package of five first-round picks. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to impact the game on both ends, Bridges offers a promising addition to the Knicks’ roster. However, early preseason performances have sparked concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Bridges’ shooting has been under the microscope after a concerning outing in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards. In that game, he went 0-for-10 from the three-point line, a stark contrast to his usual efficiency. During the entire preseason, he managed only 2-for-19 from beyond the arc, raising eyebrows given his career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%.
These numbers may cause worry, but a deeper dive into Bridges’ career statistics reveals a picture of consistency. Since joining the NBA, Bridges has never shot below 36.1% from downtown, a testament to his reliability as a shooter. Last season, he set a personal record by attempting 7.2 three-pointers per game, connecting on 37.2% of the shots. This volume shooting underscores Bridges' role as an integral piece in any offensive strategy, especially in catch-and-shoot scenarios.
Interestingly, Bridges emerged as the seventh-most active player in catch-and-shoot situations last season, with 5.6 attempts per game. Even more impressively, he converted these attempts at a 38.4% rate, ranking him as the third-most efficient among peers with comparable or greater shooting volume.
Reflecting on his journey to maintain his shooting form, Bridges candidly shared insights into the challenges he’s faced since entering the league. "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," said Bridges, acknowledging the persistence required to hone his craft.
The Knicks, undoubtedly aware of Bridges' capability, will likely view these early shooting woes as a temporary setback rather than an indication of long-term decline. The organization’s investment reflects the confidence in his ability to adapt and thrive in his new environment. His track record suggests that he has the potential to quickly rebound and become a valuable component of the Knicks' strategy, contributing both offensively and defensively.
The preseason is typically a time for players to shake off rust and experiment with their game, and it seems Bridges is in the midst of recalibrating his shooting mechanics. His career thus far indicates that such slumps are not long-lasting. The Knicks' coaching staff will surely aim to support him in finding his rhythm, unlocking his full potential as a sniper on the perimeter.
As Bridges settles into his role with the Knicks, his journey will be closely watched by fans who hope to see him replicate his past success with the Phoenix Suns. His defense, versatility, and knack for stepping up in crucial moments are qualities that make him a potentially game-changing asset. The expectations are high, but given his track record and dedication to improvement, Bridges appears well-equipped to meet the challenge.
Only time will tell how Bridges will integrate into the Knicks’ system and rise to meet the franchise's ambitions. Knicks fans, already dreaming of postseason glory, will be eager to see if this acquisition becomes a defining moment in the team’s pursuit of excellence. As the season unfolds, Mikal Bridges' performance will be a story to watch, one that could either repay the Knicks' grand investment or prompt them to reassess as new narratives develop.