Is this what the New York Knicks envisioned after acquiring Mikal Bridges? Giving up an unprecedented five first-round picks for a talented player, but never an All-Star. It seemed a high price when the trade was made, but he was penciled in as the secondary scorer behind Jalen Brunson, so it was excusable. That changed when they made the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. That reduced Bridges’ role further; to a primary defender, spot-up shooter, and role player. No matter how we look at it now, that is not a good use of resources for that role. Beyond the halfway point of the year; Bridges looks uncomfortable in his Knicks role. Providing the third-worst Defensive Rating of his career since his rookie year, and is afraid of contact on both ends of the floor.

To further complicate matters, Bridges is eligible for a significant contract extension of four years, $156 million in the offseason. It’s hard to justify that contract, considering his present output for the Knicks. Plus, comparing him to other complementary stars around the league, such as De’Andre Hunter and Evan Mobley on the Cavs or Kristaps Porzingis on the Celtics. It’s hard to argue he’s worthy of that contract for his present role as a peripheral third or fourth-option scorer.

If they did decide to move him in the offseason, they’d struggle to get even half the return they gave up to acquire him. Making it not ideal to move a distressed asset, until you can get the most out of him. That is a conversation for the offseason. In the meantime, he needs to step up. His 40-point game on Christmas Day is very much in the rear-view mirror.

The most glaring example of how much the Knicks overpaid for Bridges was the recent Cleveland Cavaliers trade for De’Andre Hunter. He was acquired from the Hawks for three second-round picks; and two first-round swaps; Caris LeVert and Georges Niang.

Hunter has been wonderful since becoming a Cavalier. Hitting a monstrous 58% of his three-pointers already since joining. Plus a 32-point game recently, providing 28 rebounds over his last five games, and solid defense. Hunter is stronger, taller, and better offensively. Averaging 18.2 points a game for the season compared to Bridges’ 17.4 points.

Furthermore, in eight of his last 12 games, Bridges hasn’t even reached 17 points. Let’s compare them further; Bridges is shooting 35% from three including, a paltry 27.9% in his last 10 games. Moreover, he had zero rebounds against Boston and just 12 over his last five games. As a wing and scoring option, this is extremely disappointing. He looks afraid to contest rebounds and isn’t consistent on the offensive end.

Why am I comparing the two? It’s fair to ask did Leon Rose do his homework on player availability around the league? Assuredly it would not have cost five first-round picks for an unequivocally better player in Hunter. Certainly, one who is a better fit as a role player on the Cavs. Settling in nicely behind Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Mobley. Meanwhile, Bridges is inconsistent in a similar role for the Knicks. It seems perhaps, Leon Rose was too focused on bringing back the Villanova alumni rather than acquiring the best fit for the roster.

We need to see more aggressiveness from Bridges, who looks uncomfortable in his Knicks role. One noticeable drop-off when analyzing the Knicks this year is the drop-off in intangibles and aggression on the court. Bridges is part of that drop-off. For instance, setting screens and fighting through screens. Donte DiVincenzo, part of the outgoing deal to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns, looked far more comfortable in the same role that Bridges has now. Donte brought an indomitable spirit every night.

Donte from his prior time in Golden State, was a master at fighting through screens. He worked as hard off-ball as he did on-ball. This was valuable in allowing Brunson plenty of court spacing to lead the offense last year. Bridges, on the other hand, hardly sets any screens and isn’t as valuable off-ball making Brunson’s job that much harder.

Plus, DiVincenzo is a better point-of-attack defender than Bridges. Look at the statistics: Bridges’ Defensive Rating of 113.3 is worse than Donte’s superior 107.4 rating.  Donte last year hit 40% from three and broke the franchise record for threes made in a season. Bridges at present, is a mediocre 35%. Additionally, his PIE (Player Impact Estimate) clears Bridges 10.1 to 8.3.

Furthermore, Bridges looks afraid of contact at the rim. He prefers to settle for mid-range jumpers and wants nothing to do with physical challenges at either end of the court. Bridges is only averaging 1.1 free throws per game, this is unacceptable. Showing his lack of aggression and impact without the ball in his hands.

Bridges was benched for the fourth quarter and overtime in their recent win over the Heat, in which Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby carried them to that victory. Most recently, Bridges was a non-factor in their brutal loss last night to the Warriors. Bridges posted a -21 and just 15 points in the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns for personal reasons. With Towns absent, this is the perfect opportunity for Bridges to step up as the secondary option, but again he looked passive and overawed.

Brunson has put the Knicks on his back since the All-Star break, winning Eastern Conference Player of the Week, averaging 29.3 points. However, his support has been in short supply lately, as Towns has had injuries and a personal absence. This is the ideal opportunity for Bridges to step up and make his presence known on both ends. But if he continues to stay in the peripherals of games, he may play himself onto the trade market without an extension this offseason. It’s time for Bridges to step up, not only for the Knicks’ playoff hopes but also for his future Knicks career.