In the world of professional basketball, confidence and form can be as fleeting as a hot shooting streak. For Mikal Bridges, renowned for his three-point shooting prowess, recent performances have added layers of complexity to an already nuanced career. Yet, the player remains steadfast in his journey to refine his shooting form, navigating both past successes and present challenges.
The Art of the Three-Point Shot
Mikal Bridges has carved out a reputation as a reliable long-range shooter, boasting a career average of 37.5% from beyond the arc. Such proficiency places him among the NBA's better shooters, creating high expectations every time he takes to the court. Known for his catch-and-shoot ability, Bridges ranked seventh in the league for attempts in this category last season, managing to convert 38.4% of those attempts. Playing for the Brooklyn Nets that year, he maintained a respectable 37.2% three-point efficiency while taking 7.2 shots per game from downtown.
Despite these impressive statistics, shooting mechanics have been both a point of pride and a source of frustration for Bridges. Since leaving college, he has grappled with adjustments to his shooting form, a challenge he openly acknowledges. "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 reflects on his long-standing efforts to regain his collegiate shooting touch. "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."
A Tough Preseason
Preseason games allow players to experiment, adjust, and prepare for the rigors of a new season. For Bridges, however, this year's preseason was marked by a stark shooting drought. Across four games, he posted a meager 2 of 19 from three-point range, including a night to forget against the Washington Wizards where he missed all ten of his three-point attempts. Such struggles can be disconcerting for a player who has never dipped below 36.1% shooting from three-point range in any NBA season.
These preseason woes might seem alarming on the surface, especially for a player acquired by the New York Knicks at a significant cost in the offseason. The Knicks demonstrated their faith in Bridges' potential by trading five first-round picks to secure his talents. While preseason performances don't count toward season statistics, they can impact player confidence and team dynamics—a factor that Bridges will need to address as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
While the numbers from this preseason might be daunting, Bridges and his team understand the value of patience and perseverance. Preseason is a period of experimentation and adjustment, and for a player with Bridges' history of excellence, there's reason to believe this rough patch won't last. His track record indicates a capacity for resilience and improvement, and the Knicks' considerable investment in him underscores their belief in his potential to make a significant impact.
In the ever-changing landscape of the NBA, players continuously evolve in response to shifting team strategies, personal growth, and competitive pressures. For Mikal Bridges, the journey to perfect his shooting form is ongoing. As he navigates the challenges of the current season, his resilience and dedication to refining his craft will be pivotal. It will be a narrative worth following for fans and analysts alike, as both Bridges and the Knicks aim to turn preseason frustration into regular season success.