Mikal Bridges is facing a shooting slump, but let's not lose sight of his overall value to the New York Knicks. Shooting just 38.8% from the field and 30.4% from three in March, Bridges has struggled to find his rhythm. Yet, focusing solely on these numbers misses the bigger picture of his contributions.
Bridges, much like Tobias Harris and Joe Johnson before him, brings undeniable talent and positive value to the court. While the hefty price the Knicks paid for him-five first-round picks-might have set high expectations, his impact goes beyond scoring.
Despite recent criticism, Bridges remains a crucial piece in elevating New York to contender status. Averaging 14.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks, he's one of only two players, alongside Tyrese Maxey, hitting those marks while maintaining a .450/.350/.800 shooting line.
The Knicks boast the third-best offensive rating in the NBA, thanks to a balanced attack. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns lead the scoring, with OG Anunoby stepping up as the third star. Bridges slots in as an efficient fourth option, helping to distribute the ball and clear paths for other scorers like Miles McBride, Josh Hart, Jordan Clarkson, and Landry Shamet.
Bridges' effective field goal percentage is 2.3% above the league average, yet praise remains elusive. His role in the Knicks' rotation is invaluable, especially given their roster's unique composition. With undersized guards and bigs with known weaknesses, Bridges, Anunoby, and Hart form a critical wing trio that excels on both ends of the floor.
Bridges' presence on the court elevates his teammates' performances. Towns' true shooting percentage jumps by 5.2% with Bridges, Anunoby's three-point shooting improves from 31.1% to 38.5%, and Hart's from 30.3% to 41.3% when he's playing.
The Knicks' overall performance shines with Bridges in the lineup, ranking in the 78th percentile in net rating, 80th in offensive rating, 77th in eFG%, and 71st in defensive rating. Without him, their defensive and shooting efficiency notably decline.
Individually, Bridges excels defensively, ranking second in the NBA in off-ball chaser defense and in the 92nd percentile for perimeter isolation defense. Though his shooting needs improvement before the playoffs, dismissing his value based solely on scoring overlooks his vital role in the Knicks' success.