Mikal Bridges’ journey in the NBA has been a fascinating blend of resilience and evolution, especially when it comes to his shooting technique. A player known for his defensive prowess and offensive potential, Bridges has consistently been a reliable threat from long range, boasting a career average of 37.5% from three-point territory. However, recent performances, particularly in the preseason, suggest that the sharpshooter still battles the ghosts from his past, notably mechanical issues that have shadowed him since college.
The Hitch in His Shot
Despite an admirable career trajectory, Bridges has not been immune to shooting woes. As he explained, "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 NBA is not forgiving to those with apparent flaws, and for Bridges, the road to refining his shot has been long and laden with challenges. He remarked, "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."
These ingrained mechanical issues were starkly evident during the recent preseason games, where Bridges found himself struggling from beyond the arc, managing just 2 of 19 three-point attempts over four games. In a particularly tough outing against the Washington Wizards, he missed all ten of his attempts, a rare occurrence for the usually efficient shooter.
A Career Defined by Consistency
Despite these setbacks, Bridges' career has been marked by remarkable consistency. Since entering the NBA, he has never dipped below a 36.1% three-point shooting percentage in any season. His time with the Brooklyn Nets last year saw him achieving a 37.2% efficiency from three-point range on 7.2 attempts per game, a testament to his ability to adapt and maintain form amid struggles.
Furthermore, Bridges excelled in catch-and-shoot scenarios, ranking seventh in the NBA for attempts with 5.6 per game, while converting at a promising 38.4%. Such statistics underscore his potential as a crucial component of any offensive lineup, illustrating the duality of his current predicament and proven capabilities.
A New Beginning with the Knicks
The offseason brought a significant shift in Bridges' career, with the New York Knicks acquiring him in exchange for five first-round picks. This hefty price tag is a reflection of the Knicks' belief in his potential to be a cornerstone player. Yet, with great expectation comes immense pressure to perform, particularly in a city as demanding as New York.
Preseason by nature is a time for players to experiment and adjust, and for Bridges, it represents an opportunity to recalibrate and refine his shooting mechanics further. While the initial returns may not have been indicative of his typical prowess, the upcoming regular season offers a clean slate for him to demonstrate his continued evolution as a player.
As Bridges continues to navigate this transitional phase in his career, the blend of his offensive talent and defensive skill set remains his strongest asset. His journey underscores the complexities faced by professional athletes, where continual self-improvement and adaptation are non-negotiable.
For fans and analysts alike, Bridges' narrative remains captivating. The promise of watching him overcome his challenges, potentially becoming a pivotal figure in the Knicks' resurgence, adds a layer of intrigue to the forthcoming NBA season. Whether his shooting mechanics hold up under the bright lights of New York is a subplot worth following, as Bridges aims to rewrite his own story in the league.