In a move that sent ripples through the NBA, the New York Knicks secured Mikal Bridges, a player known for his sharp shooting and defensive acumen, at the steep cost of five first-round picks. As Bridges settles into his new role with the Knicks, the preseason provided a revealing glance at the towering expectations and challenges that lie ahead for the 27-year-old forward.
Shooting Woes in Preseason
Bridges' preseason performance, however, might have Knicks fans raising their eyebrows. Over the course of four games, Bridges struggled to find his rhythm from beyond the arc, connecting on just 2 of his 19 attempts—a stark contrast to his career norm. His preseason finale against the Washington Wizards encapsulated these challenges, as he went 0-for-10 from downtown. Such numbers seem out of place for a player with a career three-point shooting average of 37.5% and who's never dipped below 36.1% in this regard since entering the league.
But for those familiar with Bridges’ journey, this fluctuating performance is not entirely surprising. He has been open about the tweaks and adjustments he has endured throughout his professional tenure. "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," Bridges confessed candidly.
Consistency Over Career
Despite these occasional hitches, Bridges’ proficiency with the three-ball is well-documented. Last season alone, he undertook a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game and recorded a commendable 37.2% conversion rate. His ability to make a significant impact was even more evident in catch-and-shoot situations, where he was notably the seventh-most active player with 5.6 attempts per game. Among peers who attempted as many or more shots, Bridges boasted a remarkable 38.4% success rate from these scenarios, securing his position as the third-most efficient sharpshooter.
Fitting into the Knicks' System
As Bridges transitions into his new environment, his integration into the Knicks’ system will be pivotal. Historically, the team has sought to amplify its perimeter scoring, making Bridges an invaluable asset if he can replicate or enhance his past shooting performance. The Knicks' investment in him, parting with five first-round picks, underscores the faith they hold in his potential to elevate their game.
For Bridges, the task ahead will be cementing that trust through consistency and adaptation—qualities he has exhibited throughout his career. The preseason glimpses, albeit underwhelming, offer a stark reminder of the rigorous demands and expectations associated with his role.
As the regular season beckons, all eyes will be peeled on how Bridges navigates his path and reclaims his shooting prowess. For Knicks fans and the NBA community alike, the belief remains steadfast that this season will see Mikal Bridges shooting his way back into form and onto the highlight reels, reaffirming why New York was willing to bet their future draft picks on his shoulders.