In a high-profile move that demonstrates their commitment to competing at the highest level, the New York Knicks have acquired Mikal Bridges, a player renowned for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting ability. In exchange for Bridges, the Knicks parted with five first-round picks—a significant investment that underscores the franchise's belief in his potential as a game-changing asset.
However, Bridges' recent performance in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards raises questions and perhaps a few eyebrows among Knicks supporters. With an uncharacteristic 0-for-10 performance from the three-point line, the young forward failed to deliver the shooting precision for which he is traditionally known. Over four preseason games, Bridges shot just 2-for-19 from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to his career three-point shooting average of 37.5%.
A Proven Track Record Despite Recent Struggles
Despite his recent shooting woes, Bridges' historical performance provides a hopeful outlook. Since entering the NBA, he has never shot below 36.1% from downtown, illustrating a consistent ability to contribute effectively from long range. Last season was a career-high for Bridges in terms of three-point attempts, averaging 7.2 shots per game and connecting on 37.2% of those attempts. His proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations further accentuates his capabilities, where last season he was the seventh-most active player, with 5.6 attempts per game, achieving an impressive 38.4% conversion rate. This efficiency ranked him as the third-most effective among players with a similar volume of attempts.
The Battle with Form and Mechanics
Bridges himself has spoken candidly about the adjustments and challenges he's faced with his shooting form. Reflecting on his journey since college, he disclosed, "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." His comments suggest a persistent dedication to refining his shooting mechanics, even amid the pressures and rapid pace of NBA competition.
The High Stakes for the Knicks
The Knicks' decision to trade five first-round picks for Bridges indicates a long-term vision that transcends the fluctuations of preseason performance. The franchise's faith in Bridges could be seen as banking on his established track record, resilience, and potential for further improvement. While his recent shooting numbers might cause concern in the short term, the Knicks likely regard this as a temporary hurdle in a long career.
Looking to the Regular Season
The anticipation surrounding Bridges' regular-season performance will undoubtedly be high. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch to see if he can recalibrate his shooting form to align with his career averages or perhaps set new personal bests. The underlying skills and track records are evident; now, it’s a matter of translating those attributes back onto the court with consistency.
Furthermore, Bridges' defensive abilities should not be overlooked amid the focus on shooting. His length, agility, and defensive intensity add layers of value that complement the Knicks' roster. As the season progresses, his role in both ends of the court could prove pivotal as the Knicks aim to make significant strides in the Eastern Conference.
The acquisition of Mikal Bridges embodies high expectations and calculated risks. While early signs indicate a challenging start, the Knicks' investment is built on a solid foundation of belief in Bridges' potential and history of performance. As preseason jitters make way for regular-season realities, the Knicks brass, fans, and Bridges himself will be eager to see the fruits of a hopeful new beginning.