In a bold move aimed at bolstering their roster, the New York Knicks acquired highly-regarded wing Mikal Bridges, a deal that came at a hefty price of five first-round picks. This acquisition underlines the team's commitment to strengthening its lineup with a player known for making significant impacts on both ends of the court. Bridges, however, finds himself navigating a challenging preseason, particularly from beyond the arc.
Preseason Struggles
Bridges' recent outings have raised eyebrows due to unexpected shooting slumps. In the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, the new Knicks acquisition went an alarming 0-for-10 from the three-point line. Over the course of four preseason games, Bridges has shot a mere 2-for-19 from long distance. This performance is surprising, given his historical shooting prowess.
Mikal Bridges boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, having never dipped below 36.1% since his entry into the NBA. The current preseason figures are stark deviations from what the Knicks and their fans might expect based on his past performances. Despite these hurdles, the Knicks and Bridges share confidence in his ability to bounce back.
Career Consistency
Looking back at the previous season, Bridges was actively involved in catch-and-shoot scenarios, which complemented his playstyle well. He averaged 7.2 three-point attempts per game, hitting them at a notable 37.2% rate. In addition to his volume shooting, Bridges' efficiency in catch-and-shoot situations was eye-catching. Attempting 5.6 shots per game under these conditions, he converted at an impressive 38.4%. Among players with similarly high attempts, Bridges ranked as the third-most efficient shooter.
Refining His Shot
Bridges' current shooting struggles may stem from longstanding issues that he has been attempting to rectify. He candidly explains, "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 admission sheds light on his continuous efforts to refine his technique and regain the shooting form that made him a notable sharpshooter.
The Knicks, despite the preseason hiccups, remain optimistic about Bridges' potential to adapt and excel within their system. His existing track record suggests that this slump might be nothing more than a temporary phase. The shooting knack that Bridges has displayed throughout his career underscores his ability to recover and perform under pressure.
Anticipating the Season
As the regular season looms, Mikal Bridges and the New York Knicks aim to capitalize on their new association. While the preseason statistics provide a sobering snapshot of a work in progress, the underlying numbers from previous seasons paint a picture of a player with immense potential and skill. For New York, this means harnessing Bridges' capabilities to complement the rest of their roster and bolster their offensive threat.
Bringing Bridges into the fold can't merely be assessed by preseason statistics. His career numbers provide ample evidence of a player who can rise to the occasion when it counts. As fans and analysts alike eagerly observe the unfolding narrative, the Knicks' calculated risk hints at a bigger vision for the future. Should Bridges find his rhythm early into the season, the exchange of five first-round picks may well be seen as an astute investment in a transformative talent.