Mikal Bridges' Shooting Saga: A Journey Through Peaks and Valleys
Mikal Bridges, a name often associated with defensive prowess and versatility on the court, is also known for his commendable shooting capability from beyond the arc. With a career average of 37.5% from three-point range, Bridges has consistently showcased his ability to contribute offensively, becoming a crucial player in any roster he joins. However, like any journey, his path has not been without its struggles, particularly in maintaining and improving his shooting mechanics.
Bridges has never dipped below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage in any NBA season, underscoring his reliability from long distance. As a member of the Brooklyn Nets last year, he managed a 37.2% three-point shooting efficiency on 7.2 attempts per game. Notably, his performance in the catch-and-shoot scenarios placed him seventh in the league for attempts, with 5.6 per game, and he converted an impressive 38.4% of those opportunities.
The recent offseason marked a significant change in Bridges' career with his move to the New York Knicks. The acquisition came at a hefty price, involving the trade of five first-round picks. Yet, the early weeks of his preseason stint suggest a phase of adjustment. In a glaring departure from his usual standards, Bridges went 2 of 19 from three-point range over four preseason games, missing all ten attempts in a single game against the Washington Wizards.
The Mechanic's Challenge
Throughout his career, Bridges has been transparent about the mechanical issues that have plagued his shooting form since his college days. "Ever since I got into the league, [I've] been trying to fix it back to when I was in college, so it's been seven years of just every day," he explained. His dedication to refining his shot speaks volumes about his commitment to the sport and his desire for perfection.
Bridges recounted, "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 [I've] tried to build back from that ever since. So just trying to get it right. Pretty much it." This hybrid of frustration and perseverance characterizes the relentless pursuit of adapting his form to the high demands of the professional game.
A Period of Experimentation
Preseason games in the NBA are known for being a period of experimentation and adjustment. Coaching staffs experiment with lineups, and players attempt to incorporate offseason training into competitive scenarios. For Bridges, this preseason seems to be about revisiting and refining those shooting mechanics that have been a work-in-progress since college.
Although his preseason statistics might raise eyebrows, they serve as a temporary phase rather than a definitive reflection of his potential contributions to the Knicks. The transition reflects the general nature of preseason play, where players often face the dual challenges of adjusting to new team dynamics and personal performance benchmarks.
What Lies Ahead for Bridges
The upcoming season offers Mikal Bridges another chapter in his ongoing narrative—a chance to prove that his shooting woes are merely a bump in the road. His career statistics suggest a player capable of overcoming setbacks, and his dedication to refining his game provides hope that he will bounce back. The New York Knicks, having invested significantly to acquire him, will undoubtedly look forward to seeing him regain his shooting form in regular-season play. Through perseverance, Bridges aims to harmonize his defensive strengths with a refined shooting game, creating a more complete player suited to the demanding stages of the NBA.