The New York Knicks have made a significant move by acquiring Mikal Bridges, relinquishing five first-round picks in the process. Bridges, known for his prowess as a sharpshooter, has hit a rough patch recently, notably missing all ten of his three-point attempts in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards. This performance wraps up a challenging preseason for Bridges, who went 2-for-19 from beyond the arc across four games.
These preseason struggles stand in stark contrast to Bridges' established performance history in the NBA. With a solid career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, Bridges has demonstrated consistency in his shooting capabilities since entering the league, never dipping below a 36.1% success rate from three-point territory. This reliability made him an attractive target for the Knicks, despite the hefty price tag of five first-round picks.
Last season, Bridges showcased an increase in three-point attempts, averaging a career-high 7.2 per game while maintaining a 37.2% success rate. His skills were particularly evident in catch-and-shoot scenarios, where he was the seventh-most active player, attempting 5.6 such shots per game. Bridges excelled in this role, boasting a 38.4% conversion rate, which ranked him third in efficiency among players with a similar volume of attempts.
Reflecting on his shooting journey, Bridges shared insights into his evolution as a shooter. "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 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."
The Knicks are betting that Bridges will overcome his recent shooting slump and return to his prior form as a pivotal piece in their lineup. His historical shooting efficiency and high activity in catch-and-shoot situations underscore his potential impact on the team's offensive dynamic. The Knicks' decision to trade significant assets for Bridges signals a commitment to enhancing their perimeter shooting capabilities and overall team performance.
As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Bridges to see if he can recalibrate his shooting and contribute effectively to the Knicks' aspirations. His preseason woes might just be a minor setback in an otherwise upward trajectory, given his established track record. Knicks fans and basketball analysts alike will be keen to observe how Bridges adapts to his new environment and responsibilities in New York.
In summary, while Mikal Bridges' recent shooting struggles have raised eyebrows, his proven track record offers a strong foundation for optimism. The Knicks' investment in his potential suggests confidence in his ability to bounce back, making him an intriguing figure to watch as the NBA season unfolds.