Mikal Bridges: Navigating Shooting Struggles and Transitions
Mikal Bridges has long been respected for his proficiency from beyond the three-point line, boasting a career average of 37.5%. However, recent preseason performances indicate that the sharpshooter might be confronting some challenges as he adjusts to a new chapter in his career with the New York Knicks. In a surprising preseason stat, Bridges missed all ten of his three-point attempts in a game against the Washington Wizards, spotlighting an unusual cold streak for the typically reliable shooter.
Throughout his NBA journey, Bridges has maintained a remarkable consistency in his three-point shooting, never dipping below a 36.1% accuracy rate in any season. Last year, while playing for the Brooklyn Nets, he recorded a solid 37.2% shooting efficiency on 7.2 three-point attempts per game. Among players in the catch-and-shoot scenario, Bridges was ranked seventh in the NBA with 5.6 attempts per game, converting 38.4% of those opportunities. These statistics underscore his role as a significant offensive asset, particularly on perimeter shots.
Yet the transition to the Knicks seems to have brought some initial shooting hiccups. Bridges has confessed to experiencing mechanical issues with his shooting form since his college days. "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," Bridges shared. This struggle is not new, as he noted that a tweak to his shooting form just out of college led to further complexities. "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 elaborated.
Bridges' current shooting slump in the preseason — where he shot just 2 of 19 from three-point range over four games — could be seen as part of the natural ebb and flow that comes with adjusting to a new team and system. The Knicks acquired Bridges in the offseason for a hefty price, trading five first-round picks to secure his services. Such a significant trade illustrates the high expectations placed on Bridges to deliver and align with the team’s trajectory.
Preseason games traditionally serve as a platform for players to fine-tune their skills, experiment, and acclimate to tactical adjustments. While Bridges’ shooting slump may seem concerning at first glance, it is also an opportunity for recalibrating, testing new strategies, and focusing on long-term development. Bridges' past performance suggests he possesses the resilience to overcome mechanical issues and return to form.
Despite the rocky start, Bridges' scoring ability and defensive prowess remain assets for the Knicks. His experience, paired with his tenacity to refine his shooting mechanics, could ultimately lead to a successful integration into the Knicks’ lineup. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how he progresses, bringing the tenacity and sharpness that have defined his career.
As the regular season approaches, Bridges' journey offers an intriguing subplot, chronicling how a player with raw talent and determination navigates the pressures and expectations of NBA play. With his eyes set on overcoming this period of transition, Bridges remains focused on emerging stronger and delivering the consistency his career statistics promise.