The New York Knicks didn’t give Mikal Bridges $150 million to be ordinary. They invested in him because they believe his ceiling hasn’t been reached yet — and all signs point to him treating this offseason like the start of a new chapter rather than a victory lap.
Bridges averaged 17.6 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.2 rebounds last season, respectable numbers but not the leap many anticipated after his arrival in New York. He shot .500 from the field and .354 from three, solid efficiency but slightly below what his new deal suggests he’s capable of producing. The good news is that his foundation remains rock-solid — durability, consistency, and now, renewed motivation.
Bridges’ relentless work ethic
Since signing his extension, Bridges has reportedly been glued to the practice facility. According to insider Alan Hahn on KFTV, the Knicks “couldn’t get him out of the gym.” It’s the kind of detail that says everything about a player’s mindset.
Some stars ease up once they get paid. Bridges is doing the opposite. He’s treating the contract as validation to push harder, not coast. The Knicks are hoping that mentality translates to a breakout campaign under new head coach Mike Brown, who’s completely reinventing the team’s offensive system.
A system built for movement and pace
Gone are the days of Tom Thibodeau’s stagnant, isolation-heavy approach that forced players like Bridges to stand still while the shot clock ticked down. Brown’s system emphasizes constant motion, quick decisions, and pace — exactly the kind of basketball that accentuates Bridges’ natural instincts.
At his best, Bridges thrives when he’s slashing into open lanes, using his length and touch to finish at the rim. He’s also a deadly midrange threat when he catches the ball in stride. This new scheme should give him far more of those opportunities.
If the Knicks are going to elevate their offense into one of the NBA’s top units, Bridges needs to become the connector — the guy who turns spacing and tempo into rhythm and production.
Conditioning is his secret weapon
Few players in the league can match Bridges’ conditioning. Year after year, he’s been one of the NBA’s ironmen, playing at least 82 games in four straight seasons. That stamina is part of what makes him such a perfect fit for Brown’s faster offense.
Where others might tire late in games, Bridges’ endurance allows him to keep attacking, keep defending, and keep running the floor. His energy often acts as a pulse for his team — when he’s moving, everyone else follows. It’s what separates him from the average 3-and-D archetype.
The next evolution
Bridges’ challenge now is to blend his relentless energy with greater offensive consistency. The Knicks don’t just need effort from their $150 million man; they need creation, efficiency, and leadership.
If his offseason habits are any indication, Bridges seems ready to embrace that role. Like a runner preparing for a marathon, he’s putting in the miles now so that when the season starts, he’s already a step ahead.
And for a player who’s built his career on movement, being one step ahead might be all it takes to change everything for the Knicks.