The Knicks' Bold Move: Acquiring Mikal Bridges
In a striking offseason maneuver that caught the attention of the NBA community, the New York Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, a player renowned for his shooting prowess and versatility. In exchange, the Knicks parted with five first-round picks—a hefty price that underscores their belief in Bridges' potential. The move has sparked debate: Can Bridges deliver the performance that justifies such a significant trade?
A Rocky Preseason Start
Despite the high expectations, Mikal Bridges' start with the Knicks has been less than stellar. In the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, Bridges struggled mightily, going 0-for-10 from the three-point line. This difficult outing capped off a preseason where he shot just 2-for-19 from beyond the arc over four games. For a team banking on his shooting ability, these numbers are undoubtedly concerning.
Bridges' Track Record of Excellence
However, it would be premature to judge Bridges solely on his preseason performance. Over his NBA career, he has maintained a respectable 37.5% shooting percentage from three-point range. Notably, since arriving in the league, he has never dipped below 36.1% from downtown—a testament to his consistent shooting ability.
Last season, Bridges not only took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game but also converted them at a 37.2% rate. These are numbers that few in the league can match, underscoring why the Knicks are confident in his ability to rebound from a poor preseason.
Proficiency in Catch-and-Shoot Situations
Bridges' skill set is further highlighted by his proficiency in catch-and-shoot situations—a crucial aspect of the modern NBA offense. Last season, he was the seventh-most active player in these scenarios, attempting 5.6 shots per game. In those situations, he excelled with a 38.4% conversion rate, ranking him third in efficiency among players with similar or higher volume. This performance places him in elite company and promises significant upside for the Knicks.
Challenges and Adjustments
Despite his past successes, Bridges acknowledges ongoing adjustments with his shooting form. Reflecting on his career, he shared, "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’ candidness provides insight into the challenges NBA shooters face in maintaining consistency. His determination to adjust and improve his shot underscores his commitment to excellence and bodes well for his future performance with the Knicks.
Future Expectations
As the regular season looms, the New York Knicks remain optimistic that Mikal Bridges will regain his form and emerge as a pivotal player in their lineup. The preseason may have exposed some rust, but his proven track record suggests this might be a temporary setback. For the Knicks, the investment in Bridges signifies a commitment to securing a sharpshooter who can contribute significantly on both ends of the floor.
Time will reveal if Bridges can match the lofty expectations set before him, but one constant remains: his resilience and unwavering focus on improvement. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on how Bridges writes his next chapter with the Knicks.