The Knicks' Bold Bet on Mikal Bridges: A Deep Dive into Shooting Struggles and Long-Term Potential
The New York Knicks have made a significant commitment to Mikal Bridges, a player they believe can be a cornerstone of their franchise's future. By acquiring Bridges at the cost of five first-round picks, the Knicks have signaled their belief in his potential to be not just a contributor, but a standout star. However, Bridges' recent preseason performance has raised questions about his current shooting form, putting a spotlight on the task ahead for both the player and the team.
In the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges struggled, going 0-for-10 from the three-point line. Over the course of four preseason games, he managed only 2-for-19 from beyond the arc. These numbers starkly contrast with his career track record, where he's known as a reliable sharpshooter. Bridges boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, and since joining the NBA, he has never shot below 36.1% from this range.
Moreover, last season was notably productive for Bridges. He attempted a career-high 7.2 three-pointers per game, converting at a respectable 37.2% rate. His prowess in catch-and-shoot situations became a critical component of his offensive game, ranking him seventh in the league with 5.6 attempts per game. Impressively, he converted 38.4% of these catch-and-shoot opportunities, placing him as the third-most efficient player among peers with similar volume.
Despite these credentials, Bridges acknowledges an ongoing struggle to refine his shooting technique – a battle he's faced since his rookie days. "Ever since I got into the league, [I've] been trying to fix it back to when I was in college. So it's been seven years of just every day," Bridges openly admits. "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 candid revelation underscores the complexity of basketball mechanics and mental fortitude. Shooting, widely revered as an art form in basketball circles, relies heavily on muscle memory and repetition. Any slight change can disrupt a player's rhythm, leading to slumps like the one Bridges currently faces. Yet, his historical performance indicates this is likely a temporary hurdle.
For the Knicks, patience and strategic support will be crucial. Developing Bridges into an elite shooter requires a nuanced approach. There may be tweaks needed in his shooting motion or a focus on the psychological aspects of performance anxiety. The coaching staff must tailor their support to address these facets holistically, ensuring Bridges has every resource at his disposal to regain his shooting touch.
The Knicks' investment in Bridges is as much about his present abilities as it is about his future transformation into a more versatile player. His athleticism, defensive abilities, and potential for growth are layers that, when combined with proficient shooting, could redefine his role on the court. The challenge lies in reintegrating his current talents with the attributes that made him such a coveted asset coming out of college.
Additionally, Bridges' struggles during the preseason come at a time when the Knicks are refining their roster dynamics. His ability to return to form would not only justify the Knicks' hefty investment but also amplify the overall efficiency of their play. If Bridges can recalibrate his shot, he could elevate the Knicks' ceiling and drive them deeper into playoff contention.
As the regular season looms, Mikal Bridges faces the task of transforming preseason setbacks into learning experiences. His career trajectory offers optimism; it indicates a pattern of resilience and adaptation. The Knicks, and indeed their legion of fans, hope that this preseason was merely a blip on the radar, a temporary dip before Bridges rises to meet the high expectations placed upon him.
Ultimately, the story of Mikal Bridges and the New York Knicks will unfold game by game. The journey to restore his shooting confidence while simultaneously contributing to the team bears watching. For every missed shot, there is also opportunity – both for personal growth and for the Knicks to vindicate their substantial investment.