Mikal Bridges: Navigating the Arc of His Shooting Journey
Mikal Bridges has long been recognized for his prowess from beyond the arc, maintaining a commendable career average of 37.5% in three-point shooting. Despite a strong foundation, Bridges recently faced a challenging preseason performance, reminding fans and analysts alike that even seasoned professionals can encounter rough patches.
In a preseason game against the Washington Wizards, Bridges missed all ten of his three-point attempts, a stark departure from his usual consistency. Over the span of four preseason games, his three-point shooting percentage plummeted to 2 of 19, raising questions about the potential impact on his regular season form. While such performances can be concerning, the preseason is often a time for experimentation and adjustment, and thus these results should not necessarily forecast future outcomes.
This brings to light an ongoing narrative in Bridges' career: his relationship with his shooting mechanics. Since his days in college, Bridges has grappled with mechanical issues that have persisted into his NBA career. Reflecting on this journey, Bridges noted, "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." This admission highlights the enduring challenge of refining a skill consistently under the intense scrutiny of the professional basketball world.
Despite the hurdles, Bridges' track record shows he can overcome periods of instability. He's never dropped below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage in any NBA season. Last season, playing for the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges achieved a 37.2% efficiency from three-point range, averaging 7.2 attempts per game. In the catch-and-shoot category, he ranked seventh in the NBA for attempts, with 5.6 per game at a conversion rate of 38.4%. Such statistics underscore his ability to contribute significantly from the perimeter, regardless of temporary slumps.
Bridges’ recent transition to the New York Knicks adds another layer to his narrative. The move caught the attention of the basketball community, particularly because the Knicks were willing to part with five first-round picks to acquire his talents. This significant investment suggests a belief in his potential to not only return to form but to elevate the team's overall performance with his shooting capabilities.
Reflecting on the evolution of his shooting style, Bridges shared insight into the adjustments he's made 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," he remarked. This ongoing process of refinement suggests that Bridges is not only aware of the technical adjustments needed but also committed to mastering them.
As the regular season looms, observers will be keen to see how Bridges adapts his shooting form under the guidance of the Knicks' coaching staff. His track record of resilience, coupled with a demonstrated capacity to perform at high levels, should provide confidence in his ability to recover from a lackluster preseason.
Mikal Bridges' journey is emblematic of the broader narrative faced by many athletes—balancing the technical demands of their sport with the psychological challenges of performance consistency. His career is a testament to the relentless pursuit of improvement, and his story continues to unfold as he endeavours to solidify his legacy as one of the league's reliable shooters.