Mikal Bridges is no stranger to the highs and lows of the NBA, particularly when it comes to refining his shot from beyond the arc. Renowned for his proficiency from three-point range, Bridges boasts a commendable career average of 37.5%. Yet, for a player who has built a reputation as a reliable shooter, his recent preseason performance raises eyebrows and questions.
Preseason Struggles
The preseason is often a time for recalibration and experimentation, but for Bridges, it presented an unexpected challenge. Despite his historic consistency, he missed all ten of his three-point attempts in a game against the Washington Wizards and concluded the preseason with a shooting performance of just 2 for 19 from beyond the arc over four games. While this may be a concern on paper, those familiar with NBA rhythms understand that preseason games are not always indicative of a player's true form.
“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 candidly shared about his ongoing struggle with his shooting mechanics. "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."
A Consistent Performer
Despite these challenges, Bridges has never allowed his three-point shooting percentage to drop below 36.1% in any NBA season. Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, he maintained a 37.2% efficiency on 7.2 attempts per game. Notably, in catch-and-shoot situations, he ranked seventh in the league, attempting 5.6 shots per game and converting a solid 38.4% of those opportunities. These statistics underscore Bridges' capability and assure stakeholders of his value on the court.
A New Chapter with the Knicks
The offseason saw the New York Knicks make a decisive move to acquire Bridges, exchanging five first-round picks for the budding star. This significant investment reflects their confidence in his potential to elevate the team's performance. Nonetheless, Bridges' preseason struggles highlight the ongoing adjustments he must make to meet expectations and justify the Knicks’ faith in him.
For Bridges, this chapter with the Knicks represents a fresh start and an opportunity to overcome the mechanical hurdles that have shadowed him since his collegiate days. The preseason challenges can serve as motivation, reminding athletes and fans alike that even seasoned professionals encounter obstacles on their journey.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
In a league where shooting prowess often dictates a player's role and value, Bridges' journey is not isolated. Many players experience fluctuations in form and make ongoing adjustments throughout their careers. As the regular season looms, Bridges will likely rely on his tenacity and prior success to regain his footing. The Knicks and their fans, while observant of the preseason outcomes, will watch in anticipation as Bridges strives to bring consistency and excellence to New York.
The reality is, Bridges' story is as much about perseverance as it is about NBA statistics. His career trajectory illustrates the enduring challenge of perfecting one's craft in the face of recurring obstacles. With the regular season poised to begin, Bridges stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of improvement, regardless of the setbacks faced along the way.