In a surprising move that shook the NBA landscape, the New York Knicks have successfully acquired Mikal Bridges, surrendering five first-round picks in return. This bold transaction underscores the Knicks' eagerness to elevate their roster with Bridges, who has quickly become one of the league's stalwart shooters despite his recent preseason slump.
A Sluggish Start
Bridges’ preseason performance, particularly his long-range shooting, has raised eyebrows. He ended the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards with a dismal 0-for-10 from beyond the arc. The struggles extended over four games, where he managed just 2-of-19 from three-point land. For a player of Bridges’ caliber, known for his reliable shooting, this temporary lapse seems to be an anomaly rather than the norm.
History of Consistency
Bridges’ track record in the NBA has been defined by consistency and efficiency. Throughout his career, he has maintained an impressive 37.5% shooting percentage from three-point range. Impressively, since joining the league, his lowest mark has never dipped below 36.1%. Last season, Bridges set a personal benchmark by attempting 7.2 triples per game, converting them at a solid 37.2% rate.
These numbers place him among the upper echelons of NBA shooters. His proficiency in catch-and-shoot scenarios is especially noteworthy; he was the seventh-most active player last season with 5.6 such attempts per game. He converted these opportunities at a 38.4% rate, ranking him third in efficiency among players with similar or more attempts. This exceptional performance underscores how valuable Bridges can be in the Knicks' setup, provided he shakes off his early preseason rust.
The Shooting Journey
Bridges, reflecting on his shooting journey, shared insights into his continuous battle to refine his mechanics, tracing 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. 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," he confessed.
This candid reflection highlights the relentless pursuit of perfection that many elite athletes endure. Though tweaks in his shooting form from college through his early NBA years have presented challenges, Bridges’ dedication to refining his shot has clearly paid dividends, as evidenced by his career averages.
Forecasting Success
For the Knicks, the acquisition of Bridges is not just about immediate returns but also about the potential for sustained success. His proven ability to stretch the floor as an efficient perimeter shooter fits seamlessly into their strategic blueprint. Presuming his preseason shooting woes are a mere hiccup, Bridges’ addition could significantly bolster the Knicks' chances in both the short and long term.
Whether his preseason performance was a symptom of rust, experimentation, or simply an unfortunate slump, the Knicks are banking on Bridges' resilience and historical shooting excellence to shine through. As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Bridges to see if he can rebound from his shooting slide and continue building on his impressive career trajectory.
As the team embarks on this new chapter with their high-value acquisition, expectations are high. The journey, both for Mikal Bridges and the Knicks, promises to be one to watch closely as they navigate the forthcoming NBA season.