For Mikal Bridges, a steady hand beyond the arc has been a hallmark of his NBA career. With a career average of 37.5% from three-point range, Bridges is well established as a reliable shooter. However, a recent slump in preseason performance has brought attention to lingering technical challenges the player has been working to overcome since his college days.
A Reliable Shooter Faces Challenges
During a recent preseason game against the Washington Wizards, Bridges experienced an uncharacteristic bout of inefficiency, missing all ten of his three-point attempts. Across four preseason games, he managed to sink just two out of 19 attempts from beyond the arc. While preseason is typically a time for experimentation and adjustment, these numbers are notably below Bridges' typical performance benchmarks.
Despite his recent struggles, Bridges' track record remains impressive. Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, he maintained a 37.2% shooting efficiency from long range on an average of 7.2 attempts per game. In terms of catch-and-shoot scenarios, he was particularly effective, ranking seventh in the NBA for attempts with 5.6 per game and converting 38.4% of those opportunities.
Continual Adjustment
Throughout his career, Bridges has been open about the mechanical adjustments he's been fine-tuning since his college tenure. "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," Bridges explained. His journey to refine his shooting form has been a long one, marked by ongoing tweaks and recalibrations. "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 elaborated.
A New Chapter with the Knicks
This offseason, Bridges' career took another significant turn. The New York Knicks acquired him in a bold move, trading five first-round picks for the sharpshooter. This deal highlights the confidence the Knicks have in Bridges, banking on his proven track record and potential for continued growth despite recent challenges.
The transition to a new team often opens up different avenues and opportunities for players, and Bridges will likely look to find his rhythm as he settles into his role with the Knicks. As preseason games serve their purpose of identifying areas for improvement and ensuring alignment with team strategies, Bridges’ unfamiliar shooting struggles are more likely a temporary dip rather than a foreboding trend.
Looking Beyond the Numbers
Preseason performances, while not always indicative of regular-season outcomes, can influence narrative and perception. For Bridges, maintaining mental resilience, especially amidst mechanical modifications, will be key. NBA players often face periods of recalibration, and Bridges’ focused approach and past achievements suggest he is poised to overcome the recent slump.
While the technical hurdles from his college heyday persist, Bridges’ career demonstrates his ability to adapt and perform. His reputation as a reliable shooter isn’t tarnished by a few unsteady preseason games. Instead, these moments provide a narrative of a player who isn’t complacent and who strives for perfection in his craft.
As the new NBA season looms, it is expected that Bridges, supported by a new team environment and bolstered by past successes, will continue to be a significant threat from long range. The Knicks will undoubtedly benefit from his presence and contributions as they look to leverage his skill set for the season's challenges ahead.