Mikal Bridges has long been lauded as one of the reliable marksmen from beyond the arc in the NBA. Carving out a niche for himself with a career three-point shooting average of 37.5%, Bridges represents a formidable threat on the perimeter. However, preseason antics have raised eyebrows as his shooting touch momentarily eluded him, casting a spotlight on the mechanics that have challenged him since his collegiate days.
An Offseason of Change
In an offseason move that underscored his value, the New York Knicks acquired Bridges, sacrificing five first-round picks to bring the sharpshooter to the Big Apple. His arrival injects an element of depth and versatility to a Knicks squad eyeing deeper postseason runs. However, for Bridges, the transition is not merely geographical—it's mechanical. Adjustments in shooting form are part and parcel of his ongoing evolution as a player.
Shooting Struggles in Preseason
Preseasons are traditionally a time for experimentation and adaptation, yet for Bridges, the recent fixtures bore witness to a concerning slump. A dismal 2-of-19 shooting performance from downtown over four games, including a painful 0-for-10 outing against the Washington Wizards, has drawn attention to adjustments needed in his delivery. This hiccup is hardly characteristic of a player who has never dipped below a 36.1% shooting percentage in any NBA season.
Reflecting on his form, Bridges provided insight into the extended challenge he faces. "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," he remarked candidly. The resolve to refine his shooting motion is clear, though he acknowledges it as a long-standing endeavor. "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."
Finding Rhythm in Regular Season
Despite preseason woes, Bridges' track record suggests there's ample reason for optimism as the regular season approaches. Last year, wearing the Brooklyn Nets' colors, he maintained a respectable 37.2% three-point efficiency on 7.2 attempts per game. Particularly notable was his performance in catch-and-shoot scenarios, where he ranked seventh in the league for attempts at 5.6 per game, converting an impressive 38.4% of those looks. This area of the game is where Bridges can genuinely shine, provided his mechanics hold steady.
The essence of Bridges’ game has been his resilience and adaptability. The Knicks and their fanbase will be eager to witness how these qualities translate into pivotal moments of the upcoming season. Mechanical tweaks might linger, but with the support and expertise surrounding him, an upswing seems well within reach.
As the NBA season beckons, Bridges' journey offers both a narrative of perseverance and the anticipation of a shooter reclaiming his touch. It’s not merely about reverting to form but refining it into something even more effective. The Knicks' investment in him is substantial, and the season will soon reveal if their gamble pays off. For Mikal Bridges, it’s just another challenge on his perpetual path of improvement—one that he has been steadfastly traversing since his collegiate days.