Mikal Bridges is really good (when he's allowed to be)

JXL · Post #1 » by **JXL** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 4:04 pm

I found this podcast to be really good, and go check out their other episodes (they break down Knicks film as good as KFS does).

What struck out to me was how they explained how Mikal Bridges' play in the last 3 games, and how he should be utilized even after Brunson comes back. They explained how the ceiling for the Knicks should be based on letting Bridges cook instead of sitting him in the corner. This is similar to how Brown and Tatum are utilized offensively (or Garland and Mitchell). Now, defensively is going to be a different take since changing out McBride for Brunson and putting Bridges at the POA, but he's been better as of late coming off screens, he's been more aggressive and more attentive when he's engaged. Should be the same offensively.

If Thibs and the coaching staff can blend this when Brunson returns, this is an elite offense. I would like a discussion with you guys and your thoughts.

Jalen Bluntson · Post #2 » by **Jalen Bluntson** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 4:20 pm

Trade him.

RHODEY · Post #3 » by **RHODEY** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 4:48 pm

Jalen Bluntson wrote:Trade him.

Devin Booker incoming!

Jalen Bluntson · Post #4 » by **Jalen Bluntson** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 4:57 pm

RHODEY wrote:
Jalen Bluntson wrote:Trade him.

Devin Booker incoming!

And so much more!

RHODEY · Post #5 » by **RHODEY** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 6:36 pm

Jalen Bluntson wrote:
RHODEY wrote:
Jalen Bluntson wrote:Trade him.

Devin Booker incoming!
And so much more!

Watch on YouTube

thebuzzardman · Post #6 » by **thebuzzardman** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 6:37 pm

Trade Brunson, build around Mikal

sol537 · Post #7 » by **sol537** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 6:44 pm

Thibs is gonna put Mikal in one corner, OG in the other corner, KAT on the side, and then spam Brunson/Hart pick and rolls all game so Brunson gets trapped on drives and Hart is left to pump fake wide open three's to oblivion. Brunson gets 30 shots per game, Hart 50 pump fakes per game, and KAT/OG/Mikal get 10 attempts combined. Welcome to the Thibs Experience(TM)

Spree2Houston · Post #8 » by **Spree2Houston** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 6:45 pm

I said this many times. Josh Hart being in the starting lineup is holding Bridges back. Thibs has given the secondary playmaking duties to Hart and relegated Bridges to the corner. One of the reasons I was excited about Mitch being inserted back into the starting lineup was Bridges becoming the defacto #2 playmaker in the starting lineup.

JXL · Post #9 » by **JXL** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 7:08 pm

Spree2Houston wrote:I said this many times. Josh Hart being in the starting lineup is holding Bridges back. Thibs has given the secondary playmaking duties to Hart and relegated Bridges to the corner. One of the reasons I was excited about Mitch being inserted back into the starting lineup was Bridges becoming the defacto #2 playmaker in the starting lineup.

I think Hart in the action as a screener opens up way more for Bridges to attack and be the mid-range assassin that he is instead of having the traditional big man screen for the ball handler (except KAT). If 2 is on the ball, someone is wide open. The only issue is if Hart gets the kickout, he has to take the open shot, and don't hesitate from not sharing. You're open for a reason, make the defense pay.

Guano · Post #10 » by **Guano** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 7:21 pm

Nice, you found mp's youtube channel

NoDopeOnSundays · Post #11 » by **NoDopeOnSundays** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 7:43 pm

He's in the 80th percentile as the PnR ballhandler, we're 18th in the league in PnR frequency, number 1 in points per possession on the play :lol:

Guano · Post #12 » by **Guano** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 7:54 pm

NoDopeOnSundays wrote:He's in the 80th percentile as the PnR ballhandler, we're 18th in the league in PnR frequency, number 1 in points per possession on the play

Thibs playing 4d chess. Make the grind harder so they know struggle. This new generation is soft and wants everything easy.

NoDopeOnSundays · Post #13 » by **NoDopeOnSundays** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 8:07 pm

Guano wrote:
NoDopeOnSundays wrote:He's in the 80th percentile as the PnR ballhandler, we're 18th in the league in PnR frequency, number 1 in points per possession on the play

Thibs playing 4d chess. Make the grind harder so they know struggle. This new generation is soft and wants everything easy.

It's comical really, all we need to do is just dial back some of Brunson's possession in the PnR and give them to Mikal, but that's too complex for our bozo of a coach. It takes an injury for people to see that Mikal can actually do some things on ball.

Brunson is elite as a PnR ball handler, but he's also top 5 in the league in frequency when he doesn't need to be.

Besart19 · Post #14 » by **Besart19** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 9:25 pm

Knicks in 2026

Brunson
Booker
Kiyan (he will make up for Bridges mid range game, plus you have Booker instead of Josh cant shoot Hart)
Anunoby
Towns

JXL · Post #15 » by **JXL** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 9:40 pm

NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
Guano wrote:
NoDopeOnSundays wrote:He's in the 80th percentile as the PnR ballhandler, we're 18th in the league in PnR frequency, number 1 in points per possession on the play

Thibs playing 4d chess. Make the grind harder so they know struggle. This new generation is soft and wants everything easy.

It's comical really, all we need to do is just dial back some of Brunson's possession in the PnR and give them to Mikal, but that's too complex for our bozo of a coach. It takes an injury for people to see that Mikal can actually do some things on ball.

Brunson is elite as a PnR ball handler, but he's also top 5 in the league in frequency when he doesn't need to be.

There you go. It's last season all over again. Wasn't last off-season suppose to take the burden off of Brunson?

8516knicks · Post #16 » by **8516knicks** » Fri Mar 14, 2025 10:08 pm

Besart19 wrote:Knicks in 2026

Brunson
Booker
Kiyan (he will make up for Bridges mid range game, plus you have Booker instead of Josh cant shoot Hart)
Anunoby
Towns

Knicks in 2026
Hukporti
Booker
Dadiet
Kolek
Mitch

Booker it. :lol:

Booker gets all the shots he can dream of. 8-)

Thibs, feeling right at home, guides them to a surprising .500 record and is rewarded with a 25 years to life contract for $400M. :nod:

WaltFrazier · Post #17 » by **WaltFrazier** » Sun Mar 16, 2025 1:36 pm

NoDopeOnSundays wrote:
Guano wrote:
NoDopeOnSundays wrote:He's in the 80th percentile as the PnR ballhandler, we're 18th in the league in PnR frequency, number 1 in points per possession on the play

Thibs playing 4d chess. Make the grind harder so they know struggle. This new generation is soft and wants everything easy.

It's comical really, all we need to do is just dial back some of Brunson's possession in the PnR and give them to Mikal, but that's too complex for our bozo of a coach. It takes an injury for people to see that Mikal can actually do some things on ball.

Brunson is elite as a PnR ball handler, but he's also top 5 in the league in frequency when he doesn't need to be.

And if Mikal took some of the PnRs with say Kat then Brunson is one of the shooters available for a kick out

thebuzzardman · Post #18 » by **thebuzzardman** » Sun Mar 16, 2025 3:33 pm

Soft as baby sh*t

knicks94 · Post #19 » by **knicks94** » Sun Mar 16, 2025 3:37 pm

This guy's YT channel just went up in subs and views thanks to this post.

Wildcat · Post #20 » by **Wildcat** » Sun Mar 16, 2025 3:56 pm

I hate Booker so much ... (like, not call the police, burn your house hate).