In a bold move that signals their commitment to elevating their roster, the New York Knicks have acquired sharpshooter Mikal Bridges in exchange for five first-round picks. Bridges, known for his prowess behind the arc and a foundational role in catch-and-shoot plays, is expected to provide the Knicks with a significant edge in their offensive arsenal. However, his recent preseason performance has raised both eyebrows and questions.
A Shot to Overcome
Bridges struggled in the preseason, notably ending his last game against the Washington Wizards with a 0-for-10 performance from the three-point line. Over four preseason games, he shot just 2-for-19 from beyond the arc. These figures starkly contrast with his career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, reassuring fans that such a slump is an outlier rather than the norm.
Despite the preseason woes, Bridges’ historical data paints the picture of a consistent threat. Since his NBA debut, he has never shot below 36.1% from downtown. Last season, he averaged a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game, connecting at a 37.2% rate. These numbers place him among the league’s reliable three-point shooters, and the Knicks are hopeful that this recent hiccup is a mere anomaly.
Catching Fire: Bridges' Role in Offense
One of Bridges’ undeniable strengths is his role in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Ranking seventh in the NBA last season with 5.6 attempts per game in these situations, he demonstrated his capability by converting 38.4% of those opportunities. This efficiency ranked him as the third-most proficient among his peers with similar or higher attempts per game. It’s this skill set that the Knicks are banking on to augment their scoring options, stretching defenses and opening up the floor for their playmakers.
The Journey to the Perfect Shot
Bridges’ shooting journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Reflecting on his career, he shared, "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." His candid acknowledgment of past struggles and the determination to refine his form underscores his commitment to growth and improvement.
This transparency is not just a glimpse into the mind of a shooter, but also a testament to the perseverance required to excel in professional athletics. Bridges’ willingness to confront and adjust his technique highlights not just the intricacies of his craft but also his dedication to reaching his full potential for the benefit of his team.
Looking Beyond the Preseason
While preseason games provide a platform for experimentation, they are not always indicative of regular-season performance. The Knicks are confident that once Bridges settles into their system, his historical shooting accuracy and ability to stretch defenses will overshadow any preseason jitters. His arrival is a calculated gamble that, while costly in terms of future picks, offers a chance to solidify a key aspect of the Knicks’ offensive strategy.
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Mikal Bridges. With an arsenal of experience and an unwavering resolve to perfect his craft, Bridges stands poised to repay the Knicks' faith in his abilities. For a franchise seeking to make its mark, his role could be pivotal in translating potential into performance, ensuring that his acquisition is remembered as a transformative chapter in New York basketball.