In the world of professional basketball, shooting consistency is both a player's asset and Achilles' heel. For Mikal Bridges, a player renowned for his three-point prowess, maintaining shooting efficiency has been an ongoing journey characterized by phases of adjustment and ambition. As the 2023 NBA preseason unfolds, Bridges' shooting struggles have taken the spotlight, raising questions about his mechanics and potential future performance.
Mikal Bridges: A Long-standing Shooting Challenge
Throughout his career, Bridges has been a dependable sharpshooter from beyond the arc, boasting a commendable career average of 37.5%. It's an aspect of his game that's evolved since his collegiate days and has been continuously refined throughout his NBA journey. Yet despite never dipping below a 36.1% three-point shooting average in any season, Bridges has acknowledged the persistent mechanical challenges that have persisted since his college tenure. "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 candidly shared.
Bridges' honesty about his shooting form highlights a narrative familiar to many athletes striving to regain peak form. Following a tweak in his shot upon entering the league and a mechanical hitch emerging in his second year, he has been on a path to rectify these issues ever since. As he put it, "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."
A Preseason of Experimentation
Even accomplished players like Bridges experience trials during the preseason. Despite his usual prowess, recent performances have revealed challenges, as seen in a particularly trying game against the Washington Wizards where he missed all ten of his three-point attempts. Overall, his preseason numbers from beyond the arc were concerning—only hitting 2 of 19 attempts across four games. Nevertheless, these games serve as crucial periods not just for player evaluation but also for experimenting with and adjusting their techniques.
Last season, while with the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges delivered a solid 37.2% three-point shooting efficiency, taking an average of 7.2 shots per game. His reliability on catch-and-shoot opportunities proved significant, placing him seventh in the NBA with 5.6 attempts per game, converting 38.4% of those chances. That said, the essence of preseason lies in the experimentation, as players like Bridges redefine their tactics before the regular season grind commences.
A New Chapter with the Knicks
Further underscoring his value, the New York Knicks acquired Bridges in the offseason, surrendering five first-round picks in exchange. This move signifies the trust and expectation bestowed on him to be a focal point of the team’s shooting strategy. With the regular season approaching, the pressure mounts for Bridges to adeptly address mechanical adjustments while integrating with his new team. His preseason performance, albeit concerning, does not define his potential moving forward. As Bridges continues to tackle technical refinements, his established track record and knack for rebounding from setbacks provide an optimistic outlook.
As the NBA season looms, the scrutiny on Bridges' shooting form will likely intensify. Yet, his openness about his journey and commitment to improvement resonate with both fans and analysts. By acknowledging his challenges and expressing his determination, Bridges epitomizes the often-unseen grind players endure to consistently perform at the highest levels. With the Knicks placing significant faith in his capabilities, Bridges' ongoing narrative promises to be one of persistence, skill, and youthful resolve on the professional hardwood.