An Unprecedented Gamble: Knicks Acquire Mikal Bridges for Five First-Round Picks
The NBA's New York Knicks have made headlines yet again, this time by acquiring highly-talented forward Mikal Bridges, a move that involved the heavy price of five first-round draft picks. This monumental trade has sent ripples through the league as the Knicks hope to bolster their roster with Bridges, whose reputation as a proficient shooter precedes him.
However, a cloud of concern hovers following Bridges' recent preseason performance. He went 0-for-10 from the three-point line in the preseason finale against the Washington Wizards. The stats don’t paint a pretty picture over the four preseason games, with a bleak 2-for-19 from beyond the arc. This slump raises questions, particularly for Knicks fans hopeful for a strong season ahead.
Despite these initial jitters in the preseason, Bridges' career statistics offer reassurance. Since entering the NBA, the forward has never shot below 36.1% from downtown. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 37.5%, Bridges is known for his marksmanship. Last season alone, he attempted a career-high 7.2 three-point shots per game, connecting at an impressive 37.2% rate.
Catch-and-Shoot Proficiency
Bridges' skills behind the arc extend further, particularly in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Ranking as the seventh-most active player in such situations last season, he averaged 5.6 attempts per game, with a remarkable 38.4% conversion rate. Among players with similar or more attempts, Bridges stood as the third-most efficient, showcasing his potential value to the Knicks’ offensive plan.
Yet, the player himself is no stranger to the ups and downs that accompany shooting in professional basketball. Bridges has been candid about his ongoing journey to refine his shooting technique. "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 reflected on the persistent adjustments he has been making throughout his career.
The Road Ahead
The Knicks' investment is not without risk, but it is the type one takes when on the brink of potential greatness. Bridges' commitment to improving his shooting form indicates a willingness and determination that could very well pay dividends for the Knicks. His pre-season slump may indeed be just a bump in a prosperous career.
For Mikal Bridges, the transition into the Knicks' system and the promise of further development is another chapter in a career characterized by resilience and hard work. As the season unfolds, the spotlight will be firmly on his performance, with fans and analysts eager to see if he can return to, or even surpass, his previous shooting excellence.
The question remains whether the trade will prove to be a masterstroke by the Knicks’ front office. With Bridges' proven track record and potential for excellence, New York could find themselves in possession of a cornerstone player capable of impacting their fortunes substantially in the seasons to come.