Bridges Joins the Knicks Amid Shooting Slump
In a surprising and bold move, the New York Knicks have added Mikal Bridges to their roster, securing his talents at the steep price of five first-round picks. This acquisition signals the Knicks' commitment to immediately enhancing their lineup, even as Bridges faces a challenging moment in his career.
This offseason trade comes with both high hopes and immediate concerns. While the Knicks believe in Bridges’ potential to elevate their perimeter game, his recent performances in the preseason have been less than reassuring. Bridges struggled from beyond the arc, finishing 0-for-10 in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards. Over four preseason games, he posted a disappointing 2-for-19 from three-point range, raising questions about his shooting form and confidence.
Despite these stats, Mikal Bridges’ history as a reliable shooter adds some context to the current slump. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, he has established himself as a consistent threat from distance. Since his entrance into the NBA, the former Villanova standout has never dipped below 36.1% for a season, underscoring his typically reliable performance from long range.
Last season, Bridges took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game and maintained a 37.2% hit rate. He was notably active in catch-and-shoot situations, averaging 5.6 attempts per game. Bridges thrived in these scenarios, achieving a 38.4% conversion rate, ranking him third in efficiency among players who attempted a similar volume of shots. These metrics highlight the capabilities that the Knicks hope Bridges can bring to the court regularly.
A Commitment to Improvement
Amid his recent shooting struggles, Bridges has been candid about his efforts to refine his technique. Reflecting on adjustments made early in his professional career, he shared, "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."
These words reveal a player deeply engaged in the labor of perfecting his craft. Bridges’ acknowledgment of the "hitch" in his shot and his commitment to returning to his collegiate form point to a determination that might be reassuring to Knicks fans and management alike.
The Path Forward
As the Knicks integrate Bridges into their system, they'll be watching closely to see if his preseason woes persist or if his historical shooting norms prevail. The five first-round picks exchanged for his talent is a testament to their belief in what he can achieve on the floor, despite this current dip in performance. The team will aim to leverage his skillset, particularly in catch-and-shoot opportunities, where he has historically shined.
The Knicks' faith in Bridges' potential is underscored by the significant assets they parted with to bring him aboard. This investment suggests a long-term vision that sees Bridges tapped into his highest potential, fortifying both their offense and defense given his versatility.
Conclusion
While Mikal Bridges works to overcome his shooting hitch, the Knicks face a pivotal moment. Their roster has gained a player capable of transformative impact, and as the regular season unfolds, the question remains whether they can fan the embers of Bridges’ proven performance into a roaring blaze. If so, this strategic gamble could pay dividends, enhancing New York’s status in the league and fulfilling the hopes invested by fans and management alike.