Mikal Bridges' Shooting Struggles: A Preseason Hurdle or Cause for Concern?
Mikal Bridges has established himself as a reliable long-range shooter in the NBA, boasting a career average of 37.5% from beyond the arc. This commendable figure has consistently bolstered his reputation, underscoring his value in a league where perimeter shooting is increasingly vital. Nevertheless, recent patterns in Bridges' shooting performance have invited scrutiny among fans and analysts alike.
In a surprising twist to his otherwise steady shooting prowess, Bridges recently missed all ten of his three-point attempts during a preseason game against the Washington Wizards. Such an anomaly raises questions: Is this performance a mere blip in his career, or does it signify deeper issues?
A closer look at Bridges' career offers some reassurance. Across every NBA season thus far, Bridges has maintained a three-point shooting percentage that has never dipped below 36.1%. Even last season, while wearing the Brooklyn Nets jersey, he sustained a 37.2% three-point efficiency on 7.2 attempts per game. His performance in the catch-and-shoot category was particularly noteworthy—ranking seventh in the league with 5.6 attempts per game, converting 38.4% of those opportunities. These figures provide a strong counterpoint to his recent struggles.
Yet, the issue of shooting mechanics has periodically haunted Bridges, tracing back to his college basketball days. Addressing these concerns, Bridges himself said, "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." This long-standing challenge with his shooting form suggests that his recent preseason downturn might not be an isolated incident.
In addition to his performance against the Wizards, Bridges' overall preseason performance was a lackluster 2 of 19 from three-point range over four games. It's crucial to remember, however, that the preseason is a time for experimentation and adjustment, enabling players to fine-tune their skills ahead of the regular season grind. During this period, many athletes test new mechanics or strategies, and struggles are not uncommon.
The New York Knicks clearly see potential in Bridges, as evidenced by their significant offseason move to acquire him, trading five first-round picks. This decision underscores the belief in Bridges’ ability to overcome these challenges and continue providing critical contributions over the long term.
Reflecting on his history with shooting mechanics, Bridges explained, "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 quote reveals a player dedicated to improvement, determined to perfect a skill that, though occasionally faltering, significantly influences his career.
As the regular season approaches, the question remains: Will Bridges' preseason struggles diminish, allowing him to once again become a formidable force on the perimeter? His track record suggests resilience, but adjustments in professional sports can be unpredictable. As fans and pundits keenly observe his trajectory, Bridges’ ongoing journey to refine his shooting technique remains a focal point. Though challenged, his narrative is also a testament to enduring perseverance in the face of persistent hurdles.