Mikal Bridges: A Deep Dive into His Shooting Evolution
The New York Knicks recently made a significant move by acquiring Mikal Bridges, relinquishing five first-round picks in the process. This commitment underlines the franchise's belief in Bridges' potential and ability to positively impact their roster. Despite a lackluster performance during the preseason, where Bridges went 0-for-10 from the three-point line against the Washington Wizards in the finale and shot just 2-for-19 over four games, there are solid reasons for the Knicks to remain optimistic about his capabilities.
Bridges has established himself as a reliable shooter throughout his NBA career, maintaining a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Since his entrance into the league, Bridges has consistently shot above 36.1% from beyond the arc, a critical factor for a player often positioned in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Last season, Bridges attempted a career-high 7.2 three-point shots per game, connecting at a respectable 37.2% rate.
Notably, Bridges excelled in catch-and-shoot situations, averaging 5.6 attempts per game. His conversion rate in these scenarios stood at an impressive 38.4%, ranking him third in efficiency among his peers with similar or more shot attempts. This specific skill is particularly valuable to the Knicks, whose offensive strategies often rely on perimeter shooting and ball movement.
However, the preseason slump in shooting brings attention to the ongoing adjustments in Bridges' shooting form. He has openly discussed his struggle to find consistency, sharing 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," Bridges explained. "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."
These comments reveal a player dedicated to refining his craft despite the setbacks. The Knicks and their fan base hope that, much like any skilled marksman, Bridges can recalibrate and regain his form as the regular season unfolds. The stakes are high in New York, and sustained shooting prowess from Bridges would reaffirm the organization's investment.
While preseason performance can occasionally mask future success due to its experimental nature, the pressure on Bridges to deliver is palpable. The challenge now lies in bridging the gap between potential and performance as he integrates into the Knicks' dynamics. His history suggests a capacity to bounce back, and his determination to improve his shooting technique could very well pay dividends as the season progresses.
At this juncture, the Knicks' commitment to Mikal Bridges encapsulates a belief in both his existing skill set and his potential for growth. Whether he can quickly adjust and solidify his role within the team will be of keen interest to analysts and fans alike. Should Bridges manage to align his shooting form with his prior statistical achievements, the Knicks may have found the sharpshooter they've been seeking.