Knicks’ new offense could help Mikal Bridges turn back the clock

New York Knicks v Philadelphia 76ers | Francois Nel/GettyImagesMikal Bridges is not known for his rim pressure. But he used to be. And in this version of the New York Knicks offense, he just might be again.

This comes across as wishful thinking on its face. Just 23.2 percent of Bridges shot attempts came inside five feet last year, the second lowest share of his career. He has not cracked a 30 percent share near the hoop since 2021-22. His highest mark came in 2019-20, as a sophomore, when over 42 percent of his looks came inside five feet.

The Mikal Bridges we are watching now isn’t that player from a half-decade ago. He attempted fewer than 500 shots as a sophomore, and generally wasn’t…