Grading Mikal Bridges' rollercoaster season with the Knicks so far

The New York Knicks gave up a haul in the offseason to acquire Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. New York sent five first-round picks, four of which were unprotected, for his services, and he has been disappointing to start the season.

Bridges is averaging about 16 points per game on 46 percent shooting and an ice-cold 30 percent from three-point range. For the month of November, he is shooting 29 percent from three.

Bridges’ offensive efficiency is down across the board, as he currently has the lowest true shooting percentage of his career at 53 percent. He is also shooting 20 percent on above-the-break three-pointers. 

Even the advanced metrics don’t support Bridges, as the Knicks only have a +4.9 net rating with him on the court. He has not elevated New York’s defense in the way he was expected to, as the club sits near the bottom ten in the NBA in defensive rating (116.1). 

Mikal Bridges hasn't elevated the New York Knicks and justified his steep trade price.

In fairness to Bridges, he does not have the expanded offensive role that was expected to come with the departure of Julius Randle. Bridges ranks fourth on the Knicks in touches per game with 49.7. Josh Hart averages 20 more touches per game, and he does not have the same offensive versatility as Bridges.

Bridges may be struggling, but it often feels like head coach Tom Thibodeau does not scheme up enough touches and opportunities for Bridges to catch a rhythm within the game, which leads to him being schemed out of the offense. 

Defensively, Bridges has been very weak at the point of attack and has often gotten beat off the dribble. However, it is not all bad, as opponents are shooting just over 50 percent against Bridges this season. He just hasn’t been elite on that end, which is what New York acquired him for.

Bridges, by most metrics, is having an average season. Outside of his three-point shooting, he has not been a negative for New York. However, he was acquired to elevate this team’s ceiling and make them a true championship contender.

The Knicks gutted their resources to acquire Bridges, and he has not delivered thus far. It is only November, and there is time for him to turn it around as he continues to get integrated. The early returns are not positive, though, and Bridges needs to turn it around sooner rather than later.

Grade: C-