Bridges and the Knicks: A High-Stakes Gamble
The New York Knicks have made a significant play in their pursuit of excellence by acquiring Mikal Bridges, a move that saw them part with five coveted first-round picks. This strategic decision underscores their belief in Bridges' potential to elevate the franchise to new heights. However, as the preseason unfolds, there are signs that the transition may not be as seamless as hoped.
Bridges, known for his sharp shooting and defensive prowess, has had a rocky start this preseason. In the finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges struggled to find his rhythm, going 0-for-10 from the three-point line. This performance was an uncharacteristic blip for a player who has proven himself to be a reliable shooter from downtown in the Regular Season. Over the course of four preseason games, Bridges managed just 2-for-19 from beyond the arc, raising eyebrows and prompting questions about his form.
Analyzing the Slump
Despite the concerning start, there is cause for optimism. Bridges has a respectable career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. Since his entry into the NBA, he’s been a model of consistency, never falling below a 36.1% conversion rate from three-point land. His numbers from last season reinforce his status as a proficient shooter, where he attempted a career-high 7.2 three-point shots per game, making them at a 37.2% rate.
More impressively, Bridges excelled in catch-and-shoot situations. Taking 5.6 attempts per game in such scenarios, he converted at a 38.4% clip. His accuracy placed him as the third-most efficient player when compared to peers with similar or more attempts. This trait is precisely what the Knicks are looking to capitalize on in their offensive schemes.
The Long Road to Mastery
Bridges' challenges with his shooting mechanics trace back to his college days. The transition to the professional league brought about adjustments that have lingered longer than anticipated. "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," Bridges has candidly shared.
His commitment to refining his form has been unwavering, indicating a dedication that should reassure Knicks fans. The journey has been long, but his track record suggests that the current preseason dip could be an outlier rather than a trend.
What This Means for the Knicks
The Knicks’ decision to give up five first-round picks is a clear statement of intent; they see Bridges as a cornerstone of their future. In an era where perimeter shooting is essential, especially for a team looking to make a deep playoff run, Bridges' role becomes even more critical. His ability to bounce back and deliver consistent performances will be integral to the Knicks' strategy.
As the regular season approaches, Bridges' performance will be under the microscope. The team’s faith in him needs to translate into on-court results, not only in terms of shooting but also in his role as a two-way player who can impact both ends of the floor.
The preseason struggles could very well be a minor stumbling block in an otherwise successful career. For Bridges, overcoming this hurdle will be about trusting his extensive preparation and the refinement of his shot components. The Knicks and their fans will surely hope that his persistent efforts to tweak his mechanics will pay dividends in the upcoming season, reassuring all concerned that their high-stakes bet on Bridges was a wise one.