Mikal Bridges has found himself in the spotlight for spending crucial moments on the bench during the Knicks' recent clashes with the Pistons and Rockets. Yet, when you dig into his stats since joining the Knicks, they mirror his numbers from his time with the Suns. This raises a fascinating question: Is Bridges exactly the player New York traded for, or is there more beneath the surface?
Evaluating Bridges Amidst High Expectations
Bridges' role with the Knicks echoes his time in Phoenix. Back in the 2021-22 season, he averaged 14.2 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 36.9% from beyond the arc.
Fast forward to his stint with the Nets before the trade, and he was putting up 17.2 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.2 steals, with a 38.7% success rate from three. Now with the Knicks, his numbers are strikingly similar: 16.8 points, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 36.6% shooting from deep.
While fans might have dreamed of landing a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo with their draft picks, Bridges is proving to be the consistent performer they expected.
Josh Hart's Confidence in Bridges
After a victory over the Rockets, Josh Hart, a teammate familiar with Bridges from their past, spoke about the weight of expectations placed on the wing player due to the hefty trade package. Hart emphasized the importance of integrating Bridges effectively into the team's strategy.
“At the end of the day, Kal’s gonna do what he’s gotta do,” Hart shared. “We need to make sure he’s involved offensively, get him into his spots...we’ve gotta make sure we put him in position to be successful.”
Hart’s comments weren’t just about optimism; they highlighted a deep understanding of Bridges’ potential contributions. The duo’s history adds weight to Hart’s belief in Bridges’ ability to deliver when it matters most.
“We know what we have in him,” Hart continued. “He can have a tough game and still make a game-winning play. That’s why we got him.”
As the playoffs loom, Bridges will face his biggest challenges. If sitting him late in games for Landry Shamet helps the Knicks reach their goals, it’s a strategic decision they’re willing to make. The journey for Bridges and the Knicks is just heating up, and it promises to be an intriguing one.