Mikal Bridges: Navigating Shooting Struggles and Adjustments
Mikal Bridges has always been recognized for his proficiency beyond the arc, boasting a career average of 37.5% from three-point range. Despite this, recent preseason performances have highlighted challenges in his shooting form, a mechanical issue he's been trying to amend since his days in college.
In what was an unusual outing for the typically reliable shooter, Bridges struggled significantly in a preseason matchup against the Washington Wizards, missing all ten of his three-point attempts. This uncharacteristic performance was part of a larger pattern during the preseason, where he shot just 2 of 19 from three-point range over four games. Given Bridges' consistent shooting percentages in the regular NBA seasons—never dipping below 36.1%—these preseason results stand out as an anomaly.
Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, Bridges maintained a solid three-point shooting efficiency of 37.2% on 7.2 attempts per game. He ranked seventh in the NBA for catch-and-shoot attempts, taking 5.6 per game and converting 38.4% of these opportunities. This demonstrates his capability as a high-volume and efficient shooter, particularly in spot-up situations. However, the current preseason struggles hint at underlying issues that Bridges himself acknowledges.
Bridges has been candid about the ongoing mechanical difficulties he's faced since college. "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," he confessed. This admission reflects a persistent effort to adjust and refine his shooting form over the years.
He elaborated further: "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 insights into his shooting journey reveal the nuances and challenges professional athletes face when refining their skills amid the pressures and expectations of the NBA.
The New York Knicks' offseason acquisition of Bridges, involving the exchange of five first-round picks, underscores their belief in his potential and value. The Knicks likely anticipate that any preseason shooting woes are a temporary fluctuation rather than indicative of a long-term decline in his performance.
Preseason games serve as a laboratory for experimentation and adjustment. For players like Bridges, these games are an opportunity to work through any kinks in their mechanics without the high stakes of regular-season play. As the season progresses, it's crucial for Bridges and the Knicks that he regains his form and confidence beyond the arc, as his shooting is not just a personal asset but a strategic component for the team's offensive approach.
While the current numbers might suggest cause for concern, Bridges' track record and determination offer reason for optimism. With a history of high efficiency and a clear understanding of the need for adjustments, Bridges is well-positioned to overcome his preseason shooting slump. As he continues to fine-tune his mechanics, his ability to impact games from the perimeter remains a pivotal element for the Knicks' aspirations in the coming season.