The New York Knicks made headlines with their acquisition of Mikal Bridges, a move that cost them five first-round draft picks. In what can only be described as a bold gamble, the Knicks see potential in Bridges, despite a patchy preseason performance that has raised more than a few eyebrows.
Bridges' Preseason Struggles
During the recent preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges was visibly off his game, missing all ten of his three-point attempts. Despite the disappointing statistics, it's imperative to recognize the broader arc of his career. Over four preseason games, Bridges shot an uninspiring 2-for-19 from beyond the arc, sparking concern among Knicks fans who hope for consistency from their new acquisition.
However, delving into Bridges' career numbers reveals why the Knicks may be convinced they have made the right call. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, Bridges has never dipped below 36.1% in any NBA season since his debut. Last season alone, he attempted a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game and made them at a 37.2% success rate—an indicator of a player who can deliver under the right conditions.
Performance Insights and Potential
Bridges’ ability to contribute significantly in catch-and-shoot situations was another key factor in the Knicks’ decision. Last year, he was the seventh-most active player in these scenarios, averaging 5.6 attempts per game. Impressively, he converted these into points at a 38.4% rate, positioning him as the third-most efficient player in the league among those with similar or more attempts. Knicks' scouts would have certainly pored over these statistics, seeing in Bridges not just a shooter, but a potential game-changer.
These numbers underscore that Bridges’ shooting woes in the preseason are not reflective of his capabilities. Yet, basketball is a game as much about mechanics and psychology as it is about raw statistics. Bridges himself has been candid about the ongoing adjustments to his shooting technique. "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 explained.
A Work in Progress
This confession provides a glimpse into Bridges' journey, characterized by a constant push for refinement and the lookout for technical perfection. It's been a seven-year battle to get his shooting mechanics back to his college prime, a reminder of how even professional athletes continue to revisit basics in pursuit of excellence. The "hitch" he developed early in his NBA days has been a particular focus, signaling to fans and coaching staff alike that Bridges is deeply committed to enhancing his prowess.
In absorbing Bridges' struggles and triumphs, the Knicks are hedging their bets on a player who is, by admission, a work in progress but with significant upside potential. The hope is that he will acclimate swiftly to New York's high-intensity environment, using its challenges to refine his craft further. Behind the numbers and beyond the spotlight, Bridges embodies the essence of a professional devoted to growth—a narrative that the Knicks’ front office hopes will culminate in on-court success.
As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Mikal Bridges to see if he can translate his prolific track record to the Knicks’ advantage. The stakes are high, but given his determination and past performances, the prospect of Bridges finding his rhythm again remains an exhilarating possibility. Only time will tell if this trade proves as visionary as the Knicks believe it to be.