The New York Knicks have made a significant investment in their future by acquiring Mikal Bridges in a deal that saw them part with five first-round picks. As the former Phoenix Suns standout joins the Knicks, his performance will undoubtedly be scrutinized as he adjusts to the bright lights of New York.
Early signs in the preseason have been less than electrifying for Bridges, especially from behind the arc. In his last preseason outing against the Washington Wizards, Bridges missed all ten of his three-point attempts, capping off a challenging shooting stretch. Over the course of four preseason games, he managed to sink just two out of nineteen attempts from long range, raising eyebrows and concerns among the Knicks faithful.
However, it's crucial to put this preseason performance into context. Bridges has a proven track record as a reliable three-point shooter. Over his career, he has maintained an impressive 37.5% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, a consistency that has not wavered, as he's never dipped below 36.1% in any season since entering the NBA. Last season, he embraced the role of a high-volume shooter with a career-high average of 7.2 three-point attempts per game, converting those opportunities at a solid 37.2% rate.
Bridges' prowess is not limited to just the volume of shots he takes but also the efficiency with which he takes them, especially in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Last season, he took 5.6 such attempts per game, ranking him seventh in terms of activity in the league. What's more remarkable is his conversion rate; he successfully knocked down 38.4% of his catch-and-shoot opportunities, pushing him to the third-most efficient player among those with similar or more attempts.
Reflecting on his shot mechanics, Bridges himself opened up about the adjustments he's made over the years. "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 explained, emphasizing the continuous effort to refine his shooting form.
As the regular season approaches, the Knicks and their fans will be eager to see if Bridges can rediscover his shooting touch. His established track record suggests that the recent slump is an anomaly rather than the new norm. The high level of activity and efficiency he displayed last year offers optimism that he can become a pivotal piece in the Knicks' quest to rise in the Eastern Conference standings.
While the price the Knicks paid for Bridges is steep, the potential return on investment could be significant. His defensive abilities, coupled with his potential to light up the scoreboard, make him an alluring asset for a Knicks team looking to make waves. As he adapts to his new surroundings and teammates, Mikal Bridges' development will be a storyline closely monitored by Knicks fans and NBA analysts alike.
Ultimately, New York's faith in Bridges is a testament to their belief in his talent and capacity for growth. His journey with the Knicks has just begun, and while the early results are mixed, the foundation for success is firmly in place. Bridges' shooting history indicates that he can bounce back from his preseason woes and become the sharpshooter the Knicks envisioned when they acquired him. As games unfold in the high-pressure world of New York basketball, Mikal Bridges will be determined to make those first-round picks look like a bargain.