In the world of professional basketball, where every inch and every fraction of a second matters, shooters like Mikal Bridges are highly coveted. Known for his reliability beyond the arc, Bridges has made a name for himself as a formidable long-range shooter. Over his career, he's maintained an impressive average of 37.5% from three-point territory, a figure that underscores his value in the modern NBA.
However, even the best in the business experience slumps, and Bridges is no exception. In a recent preseason encounter against the Washington Wizards, the New York Knicks' latest acquisition went cold, missing all ten of his three-point attempts. It was indicative of a challenge he's been dealing with since entering the professional ranks: mechanical issues in his shooting form.
Bridges' Shooting Journey
Bridges has, in his own words, been trying to rectify his shooting mechanics for years. "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," he candidly admitted. The seasoned guard-forward elaborated on the evolution of his shooting woes, noting that they began in his second year in the NBA. "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."
Consistency Amidst Change
Despite these ongoing adjustments, Bridges has never dipped below a 36.1% shooting percentage in any season, proving his resilience and ability to adapt. Last season with the Brooklyn Nets, he demonstrated his consistent performance by posting a 37.2% three-point shooting efficiency, taking an average of 7.2 attempts per game. His prowess as a catch-and-shoot specialist was evident as well, as he ranked seventh in the league for attempts with 5.6 per game, converting 38.4% of those into points.
The challenge of maintaining such high standards amidst mechanical tinkering speaks to Bridges' dedication. This adaptability is crucial, especially in the fast-paced NBA setting where minor adjustments often lead to significant performance changes.
New Beginnings with the Knicks
The New York Knicks evidently saw potential in Bridges that warranted a significant investment. They acquired him in the offseason, trading no less than five first-round picks in the process. It's a move that underlines the team's belief in his skills and potential to become a cornerstone for their lineup.
As is often the case with preseason, this period serves as a time for players to experiment and adjust. While Bridges' preseason shooting stats—2 of 19 from three-point range over four games—might raise eyebrows, they should be viewed with the understanding that this is precisely the time for refining and recalibrating one's game.
The Path Forward
Bridges' narrative isn't just about statistics or the minutiae of shooting mechanics. It's a story of perseverance and the eternal pursuit of self-improvement that athletes understand all too well. Despite the struggles, Bridges remains unfazed, intent on resolving the issues that have shadowed him since his college days.
As the regular NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Bridges to see how he integrates his refined form into the Knicks' dynamics. His journey underscores a universal truth in sports: even the most proficient must occasionally retool and adapt. For Bridges, the commitment to overcoming his mechanical challenges seems unyielding, characterizing a player always striving to better his craft.
As fans and analysts alike watch Bridges tackle this next chapter, one thing remains certain: he is a player equipped not just with talent, but with the tenacity to persist through adversity, ensuring the Knicks’ faith in him is well-placed.