In a bold offseason move, the New York Knicks took a significant step to reshape their roster by acquiring Mikal Bridges in exchange for five first-round picks. The decision sends a clear signal of intent from the Knicks' front office, eager to fortify their lineup with a player known for his sharp shooting and defensive prowess.
However, the preseason games have unfolded differently than the Knicks might have hoped, casting a shadow over the initial hype surrounding Bridges' acquisition. In the final preseason matchup against the Washington Wizards, Bridges experienced a particularly challenging outing. He went 0-for-10 from the three-point line, a stark contrast to his established reputation in the league.
Challenges from Beyond the Arc
Through the four preseason games, Bridges struggled to find his rhythm, shooting a troubling 2-for-19 from beyond the arc. This performance was certainly unexpected for a player who has historically been a reliable shooter. Bridges, with a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, has consistently performed well from downtown. Since entering the NBA, he has never dipped below a 36.1% shooting rate from the three-point range.
Such a slump in the preseason might concern some fans, especially given that last season Bridges attempted a career-high 7.2 three-point shots per game, converting them at a respectable 37.2% rate. Moreover, his role saw him become one of the most utilized players in catch-and-shoot situations, attempting 5.6 such shots per game. Impressively, he achieved a conversion rate of 38.4% in these scenarios, ranking as the third-most efficient player among those with similar volumes of attempts last season.
Adjustments and Technical Tweaks
Reflecting on his shooting struggles, Bridges provided some insight into the challenges he’s faced since entering the NBA. "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," he candidly explained.
This honesty sheds light on the meticulous process of technical adjustments that many professional athletes undergo to maintain their competitive edge. For Bridges, the journey to refine his shot form has been a longstanding project, indicative of his dedication to continual improvement.
A Calm Before the Storm?
Despite the preseason struggles, it's imperative not to hit the panic button just yet. Players often use this time to experiment and make necessary adjustments before the regular season. The Knicks, aware of Bridges' career credentials, suggest a level of trust in his ability to bounce back. Both the franchise and its fans will be hoping that this early dip in form is but a minor blip on his journey.
As the regular season looms, eyes will be glued to how Bridges adjusts and whether he can replicate, or even improve upon, the shooting form that made him a sought-after talent. For now, the Knicks are banking on the potential of Mikal Bridges to become a cornerstone in their pursuit of success.