Mikal Bridges' Offseason Transition: A Deep Dive into Shooting Challenges and New Beginnings
Mikal Bridges has long been recognized for his prowess from beyond the arc, boasting a career average of 37.5% from three-point range. As one of the NBA's reliable shooters, Bridges' consistency has often been his calling card. Yet, his recent preseason performances have drawn attention, though perhaps not for the reasons he might have preferred.
Preseason Struggles
With startling statistics, Bridges missed all ten of his three-point attempts in a preseason matchup against the Washington Wizards. Over four preseason games, he managed just 2 of 19 from the three-point line, suggesting that the shooting issues might be more than an isolated occurrence. Despite these struggles, Bridges has never dipped below a 36.1% shooting percentage from beyond the arc in his NBA career, which might provide some consolation for both the player and his fans.
A Historical Perspective on Mechanics
The challenges Bridges faces aren't entirely new. Mechanical issues in his shooting form have been a recurring theme since his college days. "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," Bridges disclosed, pointing towards a long-standing battle for consistent shooting mechanics.
He elaborated further on the evolution of his shooting form: "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." These comments underscore the persistent nature of his mechanical adjustments and the dedication required to maintain his performance at the highest levels.
Bridging the Transition to the Knicks
The recent offseason saw Bridges trade his Brooklyn Nets jersey for that of the New York Knicks, in a high-profile exchange involving five first-round picks. For the Knicks, this acquisition is a significant investment in a player known for both his defensive abilities and his contribution to offensive play, particularly from long range.
Last season with the Nets, Bridges maintained a respectable 37.2% three-point shooting efficiency on 7.2 attempts per game. In the catch-and-shoot category, he ranked seventh for attempts in the NBA, with 5.6 per game, converting 38.4% of those chances. His ability to perform consistently underscores the potential reward the Knicks anticipate from their new acquisition.
The Preseason: A Period of Experimentation
It is worth noting that the preseason serves as a sandbox of sorts for players, allowing experimentation and adjustment. For Bridges, this period might be integral to refining the tweaks necessary to overcome his mechanical challenges, particularly in light of joining a new team and adapting to their playstyle and expectations.
While the current shooting slump has captured headlines, Bridges' historical track record offers ample reason for optimism. The preseason should not overshadow the proven capabilities he has demonstrated over his career.
The months ahead will undoubtedly involve continued work on his shooting mechanics. With dedication and perhaps slight adjustments, Bridges aims to return to the form that marked him as one of the league's steady shooters. For Knicks fans and the team alike, the hope is that when the regular season tips off, Mikal Bridges will find his rhythm and reaffirm his reputation as a reliable shooter on the court. For now, patience and focus remain the watchwords, both for Bridges and the organization investing in his talents.