For any NBA player, shooting consistency can make or break a season, and Mikal Bridges knows this all too well. As a sharpshooting forward, Bridges has become a reliable figure from beyond the arc since entering the league. Holding an impressive career average of 37.5% from three-point range, his skill set has been a crucial component for every team he has played for—until recently.
Challenges with Shooting Mechanics
Despite his usual consistency, Bridges' preseason performance has sparked concern. In a game against the Washington Wizards, Bridges missed all ten of his three-point attempts, a stark contrast to his usual form. Over four preseason games, he hit only two of his 19 attempts from behind the arc. This comes as a surprise for a player who ranked seventh in catch-and-shoot attempts last season, boasting a 38.4% conversion rate on 5.6 such attempts per game.
It's worth noting that Bridges' shooting mechanics have been a point of concern since his college days. According to Bridges, "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." These issues with shooting form have lingered throughout his career, and while they haven't drastically affected his overall performance, they have never quite disappeared.
He further elaborates, "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." His words highlight the ongoing struggle to refine his style and find the comfort zone that allowed him to shine in his early career days.
A Fresh Start with the Knicks
Bridges finds himself in a new environment this season, having been acquired by the New York Knicks in the offseason. The Knicks made significant sacrifices, trading five first-round picks to secure his talents. Such a move underscores the value they see in Bridges, particularly his proven ability to shoot from long range. However, the question lingers—can he rediscover his touch in time to meet the expectations set by this major acquisition?
While preseason performances don't necessarily predict regular season outcomes, they are periods for experimentation and adjustment. It's a time when players can work through issues and fine-tune their game without the pressure of regular-season stakes. For Bridges, addressing his mechanical issues during this time is critical.
Looking Forward
Despite the challenges, Bridges' history offers reassurance. He has never dropped below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage during any NBA season. Last year with the Brooklyn Nets, his three-point efficiency was 37.2% on an impressive 7.2 attempts per game. These figures are reminders of his capability and potential to bounce back to form.
The upcoming season presents Mikal Bridges with both a fresh opportunity and a challenge to reclaim his status as a top-tier shooter. With the Knicks betting big on his capabilities, both the franchise and its fans are eager to see how he adjusts and overcomes his preseason slump. As NBA action kicks off, all eyes will be on Bridges, watching for flashes of the sharpshooter who can shift games and deliver crucial points when they matter the most.
Only time will tell if he can mesh well with the Knicks' system and execute at the level expected. Yet, with his track record and determination to improve, Mikal Bridges has every reason to be optimistic. The upcoming games will reveal the degree to which he can integrate his technical adjustments and contribute significantly to the Knicks' ambitions this season.