In a significant move that could reshape their lineup, the New York Knicks recently acquired Mikal Bridges, a talented swingman whose ability to stretch the floor has been well-documented since he entered the league. However, the Knicks’ bold decision came with a hefty price tag, surrendering five first-round picks to land Bridges. This trade speaks volumes about New York's confidence in Bridges as a cornerstone for their future, despite his recent struggles from beyond the arc during the preseason.
Preseason Struggles
This preseason has been anything but smooth for Bridges' shooting touch. In the Knicks’ finale against the Washington Wizards, the forward endured a shooting slump, missing all ten of his three-point attempts. Over the course of four preseason games, Bridges managed only 2 of 19 from beyond the arc, shooting a meager 10.5%—a stark contrast to his career 37.5% average from three-point range.
The preseason blip comes at an inopportune time for Bridges, attempting to find his rhythm with his new team. However, it's essential to place these performances within the context of an overall career marked by consistency. Since entering the NBA, Bridges has maintained a three-point percentage that has never dipped below 36.1%, even in his less prolific shooting seasons.
Beyond the Numbers
Last season, Bridges showcased his shooting prowess by attempting a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game, connecting at a 37.2% clip. His role as a catch-and-shoot specialist cannot be overstated, as he ranked seventh in the league with 5.6 attempts per game in such situations. Among players with a similar volume, Bridges boasted an impressive 38.4% conversion rate, marking him as the third-most efficient. This demonstrates the kind of offensive weaponry he brings when operating within a fluid offensive system.
Despite his recent shooting woes, Bridges reflects on his journey to regain his shot form. "Ever since I got into the league, [I've] been trying to fix it back to when I was in college. So it's been seven years of just every day," Bridges said candidly. "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."
Looking Forward with Optimism
The Knicks, aware of Bridges' recent shooting hiccups, remain optimistic about his potential upside. The player's track record suggests that his recent 0-for-10 outing may be more of an outlier than a new norm. The vibrant atmosphere and supportive environment of Madison Square Garden could serve as the perfect stage for Bridges to reinvigorate his shooting touch and regain confidence.
As the regular season looms, New York is banking on Bridges' proven ability to contribute efficiently. Whether operating off the ball in catch-and-shoot opportunities or creating his own shots, his versatility adds another dimension to the Knicks’ offensive arsenal. Given the investment in securing Bridges, both the player and the organization will look towards turning the page on the preseason and writing a compelling new chapter in New York’s pursuit of basketball excellence.
In the world of professional sports, early-season form can often misrepresent the true potential of a player. For Mikal Bridges, the upcoming season represents a fresh start, an opportunity to cement his status as an elite perimeter threat. The eyes of the Knicks faithful will no doubt be watching closely as he embarks on this latest chapter, looking to prove that the significant assets traded away for his acquisition were indeed a sound investment.