Bridges' Preseason Struggles and Career Perspective
Bridges' Preseason Struggles and Career Perspective
In a bold move this offseason, the New York Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, investing heavily by offering five first-round picks. As the regular season looms, Bridges finds himself grappling with shooting struggles that have raised eyebrows. During the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, he endured a nightmarish performance, missing all ten of his three-point attempts.
His preseason shooting is a stark deviation from his proven track record. Across four games, Bridges went just 2-for-19 from beyond the arc. However, for a player who boasts a 37.5% career three-point shooting percentage, these early struggles might be nothing more than a temporary setback. Since entering the league, Bridges has never shot below 36.1% from downtown—a testament to his long-standing reliability from long range.
Navigating a Shooting Hitch
Bridges’ shooting process has been a work in progress since he transitioned from college ball. Reflecting on his journey, Bridges stated, "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."
Such honesty about his shooting form revelation speaks to the meticulous nature of refining skills at the professional level. Despite this ongoing challenge, Bridges has remained an integral part of his teams, consistently contributing on both ends of the court.
Past Performance as a Benchmark
Last season, Bridges attempted a career-high 7.2 three-point shots per game, converting them at a rate of 37.2%. His proficiency was particularly notable in catch-and-shoot situations, where he was the seventh-most active player, averaging 5.6 attempts per game. Impressively, he ranked third in efficiency among players with a similar shooting volume, achieving a conversion rate of 38.4%.
These statistics underscore Bridges’ capability and potential impact on the Knicks. His ability to create scoring opportunities and space the floor will be vital as the team seeks to establish its rhythm in the new season.
Finding Rhythm with the Knicks
The Knicks' coaching staff and management remain optimistic that Bridges will return to form. The preseason is notoriously erratic, often serving as a testing ground for new strategies and adjustments. For shooters like Bridges, regaining rhythm can involve minor tweaks and sustained confidence in their shooting mechanics.
While the preseason has prompted some concerns, it has also highlighted Bridges' resilience. His commitment to refining his shooting form, despite facing challenges, exemplifies the dedication necessary at the highest level of basketball. As he adjusts to his new role and responsibilities within the Knicks, Bridges is poised to leverage his experience and skillset to emerge as a significant contributor.
Anticipation for the Regular Season
As the Knicks approach the regular season, the anticipation surrounding Bridges’ acquisition remains palpable. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his presence will influence the team’s dynamics. The organization’s decision to part with substantial draft capital underscores their belief in Bridges’ abilities to elevate their championship aspirations.
In summary, while Mikal Bridges' shooting woes during the preseason have certainly been cause for conversation, they should be weighed against his historically reliable performance. It is not uncommon for players to experience such hurdles, and the Knicks trust that Bridges will quickly find his stride. His track record suggests that this devoted sharpshooter has all the tools to bounce back, making him a pivotal part of the New York Knicks' future success.
