Shooting Woes: Mikal Bridges' Tough Preseason
Mikal Bridges, renowned for his proficiency from long range, found himself amidst unexpected challenges this preseason. The New York Knicks' new acquisition, with a career three-point shooting average of 37.5%, encountered a surprising slump as he struggled to find his rhythm beyond the arc. His notable off-season move to the Knicks involved a hefty trade package, with the franchise parting with five first-round picks, underscoring their belief in Bridges' prowess. However, his recent performances have been a cause for contemplation.
During a preseason game against the Washington Wizards, Bridges misfired on all ten of his three-point attempts. This outing was part of a larger pattern over the preseason, where he shot just 2 of 19 from downtown in four games. These numbers starkly contrast with his career stats, where he has consistently exceeded a 36.1% accuracy from three-point range in every NBA season.
Past Performance and Present Challenges
Last season, Bridges exemplified his shooting capabilities with the Brooklyn Nets, achieving a 37.2% three-point shooting efficiency on 7.2 attempts per game. In the catch-and-shoot category, he demonstrated his skill by ranking seventh in the league with 5.6 attempts per game, converting 38.4% of those opportunities. These figures reflect a player who is more than capable of being a consistent threat from beyond the arc.
Despite such impressive previous seasons, Bridges has faced lingering challenges with his shooting form, a journey that traces back to 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 reflected. His longstanding mechanical struggle became particularly evident during his second year in the NBA when a noticeable hitch emerged in his shooting form, a flaw he has been actively working to remedy since then.
"When I came out of college, I kind of tweaked it a little bit," Bridges explained. "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 candid admissions reveal a player deeply committed to refining his craft, despite encountering persistent hurdles.
Preseason Growing Pains
Preseason serves as a crucial period for experimentation and adjustment, allowing players like Bridges to iron out any issues before the regular season kicks off. While his preseason performance may raise eyebrows, it is by no means a definitive marker of future struggles. Instead, it provides insight into the nuanced challenges and adjustments Bridges continues to wrestle with.
The Knicks, undoubtedly banking on Bridges' capacity to emerge from this preseason slump, are likely focusing on the bigger picture. Their significant investment in him indicates faith in his ability to overcome these shooting challenges and to reestablish his status as one of the league’s reliable shooters. Bridges' historical consistency gives reason for optimism, suggesting that his mechanical issues could be temporary roadblocks rather than permanent setbacks.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Bridges to see how he adapts and evolves. His journey is emblematic of the perseverance required in professional sports, where even seasoned players face ongoing battles with form and technique. While the preseason highlighted areas for improvement, Bridges’ track record ensures that the Knicks, along with their fans, retain hope for a successful season with their new sharpshooter at the helm.