Mikal Bridges: Navigating the Arc of Shooting Struggles
Mikal Bridges, known for his proficiency beyond the three-point line, has recently faced a challenging start to his preseason. His dedication to perfecting his shot, however, remains unwavering. With a career average of 37.5% from three-point range, Bridges' shooting ability has been considered a significant asset throughout his time in the NBA. Yet, this preseason, the usual precision seems to have temporarily eluded him.
During a recent preseason matchup against the Washington Wizards, Bridges went 0-10 from beyond the arc, a performance that starkly contrasts with his career numbers. Despite such setbacks, Bridges has never recorded a three-point shooting percentage below 36.1% during any NBA season, showcasing his consistency over the years. Last year with the Brooklyn Nets, he maintained a 37.2% success rate from three-point attempts on a notable volume of 7.2 shots per game.
Beyond volume, Bridges excels in the catch-and-shoot category. Ranking seventh in the NBA for attempts in this area, he made 38.4% of his 5.6 attempts per game last season. This reputation underscores his skill set and raises questions about his current shooting slump.
The offseason brought new opportunities as the New York Knicks acquired Bridges, trading five first-round picks to secure the seasoned player. This transition seems to serve as a backdrop for what has been a challenging preseason. Across four games, Bridges managed only 2 of 19 from downtown, a stat line that would rattle even the most stoic of shooters.
A Persistent Mechanical Challenge
Bridges' challenges are not entirely new to him. Reflecting on his journey, he candidly 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." This statement reveals the underlying mechanical issues that have persisted since his collegiate days.
Continuing, Bridges explained, "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 ongoing battle to refine his shooting form sheds light on the complexities NBA players face while striving for perfection.
Preseason Challenges and Opportunities
Preseason often serves as a lab for experimentation and adjustment, and Bridges appears to be leveraging this period for exactly that. The inconsistencies observed might well be a part of this broader narrative of refinement and adjustment. While fans and analysts may express concern, the preseason is essentially an exploratory phase, providing players like Bridges the space to refine their skills without the pressure of regular-season stakes.
Despite the rough patch, Bridges’ career trajectory suggests that his current struggles are likely a temporary phase. His established ability to perform consistently over several NBA seasons demonstrates resilience and adaptability. As he integrates into the Knicks’ system, the upcoming regular season will serve as the true test of whether Bridges can overcome his preseason slump and rediscover his shooting efficiency.
In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, players continually face the challenge of adapting and improving. Bridges' story reflects the perseverance required to navigate the inevitable ebbs and flows of a career in the NBA. As he strives to correct his shooting mechanics, his ongoing dedication could very well be crucial in swinging the arc back in his favor.