Knicks Acquire Mikal Bridges in Costly Trade
In a significant move during the NBA offseason, the New York Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges, parting with five first-round draft picks to bring the talented swingman to New York. The acquisition underscores the Knicks' commitment to elevating their roster with proven talent, despite the heavy price tag. Bridges, known for his versatility and defensive prowess, is anticipated to be a pivotal figure in the Knicks' ambitions this season.
Struggles in Preseason from Beyond the Arc
However, Bridges' preseason performance might have raised some eyebrows among Knicks fans and analysts. During the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards, he went an uncharacteristic 0-for-10 from the three-point line. Over the four preseason games, Bridges shot a concerning 2-for-19 from beyond the arc, raising questions about his shooting form as the regular season looms.
These struggles are atypical for Bridges, who boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%. This dip in performance could be attributed to adjustments or simply an off stretch in his shooting rhythm. Nonetheless, his career statistics suggest that this slump may only be temporary.
A History of Consistency
Historically, Bridges has been nothing short of reliable from downtown. Since entering the league, he has maintained a three-point shooting percentage never dipping below 36.1%. Last season, Bridges took a career-high 7.2 three-point attempts per game and connected at a 37.2% rate. Moreover, he was one of the league's most active players in catch-and-shoot situations, attempting 5.6 shots per game and achieving an impressive 38.4% conversion rate. This efficiency ranked him as the third-most effective among players with a similar or higher volume of attempts.
The Evolution of a Shooter
Bridges' evolution as a shooter is a testament to his relentless pursuit of improvement. Reflecting on his journey, Bridges noted, "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."
This insight into his persistent efforts to refine his shot sheds light on his preseason struggles. The dedication to retooling his mechanics demonstrates a player committed to achieving proficiency and consistency.
The Knicks' Calculated Gamble
The decision to trade for Bridges, surrendering five first-round picks, reflects the Knicks' strategic gamble on his potential to significantly impact their lineup. The team's front office believes that his skill set and experience align with their vision of contending for higher placements in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Critics and fans alike will be watching closely as the regular season unfolds, anticipating whether Bridges can rediscover his shooting touch and deliver on the expectations that accompany such a high-profile trade. His ability to bounce back will be crucial in determining the immediate success of this acquisition.
Final Thoughts
As Mikal Bridges dons the Knicks uniform, the anticipation is palpable. While his preseason performance may not have been indicative of his capabilities, his career statistics and dedication to improvement suggest a brighter future. The Knicks, and their fans, will be hoping that Bridges' trajectory continues on an upward curve, validating the substantial investment made to secure his talents.