Knicks Insider Drops Surprising Forecast: Which Wing Is Poised for a Breakout Year?

Mikal Bridges just inked a four-year deal to stay with the New York Knicks, and it’s stirring up quite the mix of cheers and eyebrow raises. After a debut season in the Big Apple that left some fans scratching their heads—wondering if Bridges was truly living up to the hype of his Villanova roots alongside Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson—there’s buzz that 2025-26 could be a whole different story. I mean, can a fresh coaching vibe and a summer of recalibration really unlock a “significantly better” Mikal? Fred Katz sure thinks so, pointing out that the Bridges-Thibodeau pairing never quite clicked, both on personality and tactics. Now, with a new head coach and a shot at chemistry, could Bridges finally emerge as the star New York hoped for? If not, well… the Knicks’ decision to bet big on him might just become one of the more intriguing “what-ifs” of the season.

Mikal Bridges just signed a contract extension with the New York Knicks, meaning he will be with the team for four more years.

Some people were elated to see Bridges make the deal, while others were a bit concerned.

That’s because there was criticism about Bridges’ first year in the Big Apple, and numerous fans demand that he do better.

Speaking on “Katz And Shoot,” Fred Katz stated that he thinks Bridges will greatly improve in 2025-26.

According to Katz, Bridges and former head coach Tom Thibodeau just didn’t work well together.

“I would be surprised if Mikal Bridges didn’t have a much better season…pretty significantly better…It didn’t work for him with Thibs…from kind of a personality standpoint…from an Xs & Os standpoint…Also non-Thibs factors…I think he’ll be a lot better,” Katz said, via New York Basketball.

"I would be surprised if Mikal Bridges didn't have a much better season…pretty significantly better…It didn't work for him with Thibs…from kind of a personality standpoint…from an Xs & Os standpoint…Also non-Thibs factors…I think he'll be a lot better"

— Fred Katz pic.twitter.com/aVVjmMatII

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 6, 2025

It’s not like Bridges did a bad job in 2024-25.

His average of 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 50.0 percent from the floor helped the team, but he didn’t seem to click with the rest of the roster as much as fans had hoped.

It’s important to remember that he went to Villanova along with Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, so fans thought he’d immediately become one of the team’s biggest stars along with his school friends.

Instead, Bridges had to work off the rust and didn’t quite look like his regular self.

Katz said that Bridges and Thibodeau weren’t a great fit, but Bridges could flourish now that he has a new head coach.

Plus, he has had more time to find his footing and rhythm with his teammates.

A summer off and full training camp with his coach should get him in a good position for the new season.

Bridges could have a big rebound season.

If he doesn’t, there will be many questions about him and his long-term fit in New York.

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