The Evolution of Mikal Bridges: A Tale of Adjustment and Perseverance
Mikal Bridges, an established name in the NBA, has earned a reputation as a reliable shooter, particularly from beyond the arc. With a career average standing at an impressive 37.5% from three-point range, Bridges has consistently showcased his proficiency in long-range shooting. As a player who has never dipped below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage in any NBA season, he epitomizes the resilient professional. Yet, his recent performance and experiences reveal a story of ongoing adjustments and challenges in maintaining his shooting prowess.
Bridges' proficiency was evident last season when he suited up for the Brooklyn Nets, sustaining a 37.2% efficiency from three-point territory on an extensive 7.2 attempts per game. Within the catch-and-shoot realm, Bridges stood formidable, ranking seventh for attempts in the league, averaging 5.6 per game, and converting an admirable 38.4% of those opportunities.
Despite such impressive statistics, the game of basketball is as much about precision as it is about adaptability. This adaptability was put to the test in the recent preseason bout against the Washington Wizards, where Bridges uncharacteristically missed all ten of his three-point attempts. Over four games, his shooting from deep was a concerning 2 of 19—a stark contrast from his regular-season consistency.
Much of Bridges' focus has been on refining his shooting form, a journey he candidly discusses. "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 shared, pointing to a continuous effort to hone his skills. His determination to overcome mechanical hitches in his shooting form has been a constant theme since his college days. "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 remarked, shedding light on the intricate path of development that elite athletes often navigate.
This offseason brought a significant change in Bridges' career trajectory. The New York Knicks, displaying unwavering faith in his potential, acquired him in a high-stakes trade involving five first-round picks. The trade highlights the high expectations placed on Bridges' shoulders, as both the franchise and fans expect him to be a cornerstone player. The move to New York marks a new chapter, where he will be tasked with reinforcing his shooting capabilities and contributing significantly to his team's success.
The preseason is widely recognized in the basketball community as a period of experimentation and adjustments for players. Whether it's tweaking shooting mechanics or fitting into a new team system, this time allows athletes to prepare both mentally and physically for the rigors of the regular season. For Bridges, this means meticulously fine-tuning his form and finding his rhythm while integrating into the Knicks’ system.
While his recent shooting slump raises questions, it serves as a reminder of the demanding nature of professional sports, where even the most skilled athletes experience ebbs and flows in performance. What remains certain is Bridges' resilience and commitment to improvement. As he embarks on this new chapter with the Knicks, observers and analysts alike will keenly watch how he adapts and rises to meet the challenges of another NBA season.
Mikal Bridges' story is not just about statistics and percentages but rather an inspiring narrative of dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. The coming season will undoubtedly test his resolve further, but with his track record, expectations are high that he will once again rise to the occasion, proving why he was worth such a significant investment.