In a sweeping and bold move, the New York Knicks have acquired Mikal Bridges, a decision that cost them five first-round picks. This high-stakes gamble underscores the confidence the Knicks have placed in the player known for his sharpshooting ability and stout defense. However, recent performances might give some fans pause, as they look to see if their investment will pay dividends.
Bridges, who has been a consistent performer from beyond the arc with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, experienced a surprising slump during the preseason. In the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges went a troubling 0-for-10 from the three-point line, a performance that illuminated an uncharacteristic struggle over the four preseason games where he shot just 2-for-19 from beyond the arc. This has sparked discussions about his form heading into the regular season.
The concerning preseason shooting percentages contrast sharply with Bridges' career record. Since entering the NBA, he has maintained a solid shooting baseline, never falling below a 36.1% three-point conversion rate. Last season, Bridges not only took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game but also connected at a reliable 37.2% rate. His accuracy, in volume, was a significant asset for his previous team.
Relentless Pursuit of Consistency
Mikal Bridges has been candid about his career-long journey to refine his shooting mechanics, a challenge that stretches back to his college days. Reflecting on his evolution, Bridges said, "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."
This dedication to his craft is evident in his catch-and-shoot scenarios. Last season, Bridges was the seventh-most active player in catch-and-shoot situations, attempting 5.6 such shots per game. In these scenarios, his precision was almost surgical, nailing a 38.4% conversion rate and ranking as the third-most efficient among players with similar or more attempts per game. His adeptness in these moments reinforces the notion that Bridges, when in rhythm, is a pivotal asset on any team's roster.
High Hopes in the Big Apple
The Knicks' decision to part with significant draft capital highlights their alignment with Bridges' potential to influence the game positively. His history suggests that once he overcomes his current shooting woes, he could become an invaluable piece to the Knicks' strategic puzzle.
The team's faith in him is not just an endorsement of his talent but also a bet on his ability to recalibrate under pressure. Should Bridges regain his form, his presence on the perimeter will not only spread the floor for the Knicks but also provide much-needed scoring support as they aim to be more competitive in the upcoming season.
As the regular season approaches, Knicks fans will watch closely to see if Bridges can return to his past-self with accurate shooting and impactful performances, all while learning the dynamics of his new team. The anticipation is palpable, and the question remains whether this addition to the roster will prove as transformative as the organization hopes.
Ultimately, Mikal Bridges' journey in New York can't be measured solely by preseason misses but rather through the lens of a player determined to perfect his craft and redefine his contributions in the face of adversity. As he takes the court in Madison Square Garden, his performance will undoubtedly be one of the most watched narratives of the season. With all eyes on Bridges, the basketball community waits to see if this trade was truly worth its weight in gold—or rather, in first-round picks.