Mikal Bridges: A Preseason Filled with Challenges and Adjustments
Mikal Bridges has long been known for his proficiency from beyond the arc. With a career average of 37.5% from three-point range, his shooting skills have consistently been a pillar of his game. However, the preseason leading into his tenure with the New York Knicks has presented unexpected hurdles for the talented shooter.
In a recent preseason matchup against the Washington Wizards, Bridges uncharacteristically missed all ten of his three-point attempts. This is a stark contrast to his record, as he has never dipped below a 36.1% three-point shooting average in any NBA season. Despite these recent struggles, his performance last year with the Brooklyn Nets saw him maintaining a respectable 37.2% three-point shooting efficiency on a substantial 7.2 attempts per game.
Struggles With Shooting Mechanics
Bridges' preseason troubles may be attributed to ongoing mechanical issues in his shooting form, which have been a concern since his college days. His history with shooting adjustments is well-documented, as Bridges himself explains, "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." The journey to refine his shot has been a constant in his professional career.
The timing of when these issues began is clear. Bridges expanded on this, saying, "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 commitment to addressing these challenges illustrates the dedication required to maintain high performance levels, especially under the bright lights of the NBA.
Time for Experimentation
It's important to remember that preseason is typically a period for experimentation and adjustment for players. During this time, athletes often focus on refining their skills and addressing any lingering weaknesses. Bridges' current shooting form woes, as evidenced by a 2 of 19 performance from three-point range over four preseason games, highlight the importance of this period for development.
New Beginnings with the New York Knicks
The New York Knicks’ acquisition of Bridges during the offseason came with significant investment, involving the trade of five first-round picks. This move underscores the high expectations placed on Bridges as a vital component of the team’s future success. Despite his preseason struggles, the Knicks have bet on his potential to bring his long-standing expertise in three-point shooting and defensive prowess to their roster.
Moreover, Bridges' capability in the catch-and-shoot category should not be overlooked. Often regarded as a key metric for shooting efficiency, Bridges ranked seventh in the NBA for catch-and-shoot attempts last season at 5.6 per game, converting an impressive 38.4% of those opportunities. This situational shooting ability is expected to contribute significantly once he finds his rhythm with the Knicks.
As Bridges continues to work through his shooting challenges, basketball fans and the Knicks’ organization alike are optimistic that he will regain his shooting form. With his solid track record and evident skill set, the ability to adjust and overcome these hurdles seems well within reach. As the regular season approaches, Bridges remains focused, committed to perfecting a shooting form that has long made him a standout performer in the league.