In a bold move that has captured the attention of basketball analysts and fans alike, the New York Knicks have acquired Mikal Bridges at the cost of five first-round draft picks. With such a significant investment in Bridges' future potential, the scrutiny surrounding his performance has naturally intensified, especially given his recent preseason showings.
A Rocky Preseason
Bridges' preseason performance has been a rollercoaster, culminating in a concerning 0-for-10 game from the three-point line against the Washington Wizards. Over four games, he logged a mere 2-for-19 from beyond the arc—a stark contrast to his career norm. Despite these struggles, it is important to view these numbers within the broader context of his career and skill set.
A Proven Shooter
Historically, Bridges has been a consistent threat from the perimeter. He boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, and he has never finished a season shooting below 36.1% from downtown. These numbers underline his established capability as a reliable shooter, despite the recent slump.
Last Season's Performance
Last season, Bridges took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game, connecting at a respectable 37.2% rate. He was also the seventh-most active player in catch-and-shoot scenarios, taking 5.6 such shots per game and converting them at an impressive 38.4% rate. Among players with similar or greater attempts per game, he ranked as the third-most efficient, highlighting his proficiency in a crucial aspect of modern NBA offenses.
The Road to Improvement
Despite his established shooting credentials, Bridges has faced challenges with maintaining his form since his college days. He candidly described his journey: "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."
Looking Ahead
For the Knicks, the preseason is a period of experimentation and adjustment. Mikal Bridges' current form is certainly an area for concern, but it is also an opportunity for him to recalibrate and adapt in the low-stakes environment of non-regular season play. With a career marked by resiliency and improvement, there is a sense that Bridges' current struggles might just be a footnote in his broader journey—a journey that the Knicks have confidently invested in.
With his track record of bouncing back from shooting slumps and evolving his technique, Mikal Bridges possesses both the talent and determination to emerge from this rough patch. As the regular season beckons, both the Knicks' front office and their fans will be keenly watching, hopeful that their considerable investment will yield the returns they anticipate.