It is hard to find positives sometimes when an NBA team hits a rough patch, especially when it follows such a successful stretch of performance. The New York Knicks are currently in such a quagmire.
2024 could not have gotten off to a stronger start, as they came out of the gates on fire winning 15 out of their first 17 games. The trade to acquire OG Anunoby and Precious Achiwau from the Toronto Raptors was paying immediate dividends as they helped transform the Knicks on both sides of the ball.
Another reason that the team made that trade, sending RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors, was to open up playing time for Miles McBride. The Knicks immediately signed him to a three-year, $13 million extension after the trade and he has quickly made that look like a bargain.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Miles McBride, Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks Updates
Not only has that trade opened things up for McBride, but injuries to several players have provided him a chance to play consistent rotation minutes. He has made the most of the opportunity, making a strong case to be a permanent fixture in the rotation once the NBA Playoffs roll around and the team is healthy.
The confidence head coach Tom Thibodeau has in McBride is growing. He is a stellar defender and is developing offensively. He has made major strides as a shooter, as McBride is making 39.5 percent of his 3-pointers this season and has shown off a great pull-up jumper.
His inexperience still shows at times, such as in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks in the Knicks’ most recent game. McBride was getting out of his wheelhouse a bit, attempting to hunt fouls and taking some early attempts in the shot clock.
Those kinds of things will improve the more that he plays. He will find his strengths and stick to them. What has been most encouraging during the recent skid by New York has been the improvements he is making leading the offense.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Miles McBride, Tom Thibodeau, New York Knicks Updates
Replacing an NBA All-Star such as Jalen Brunson is a virtually impossible task. He has turned himself into one of the best players in the league, but McBride has been holding his own when his number has been called in place of his teammate.
As shared by Tommy Beer, McBride has been playing with elite ball security over the last four games. He has played 40+ minutes in three out of those four contests and has turned the ball over only once compared to handing out 23 assists.
While McBride is still learning how to find his spots and lead an offense, that is certainly an encouraging sign. He recorded 5+ assists in three out of those four games as well, showing that he is getting more and more of a handle on the team’s offensive game plan.
Far from a finished product, McBride certainly has more developing that he can do. However, he has been a bright spot during the recent tough stretch. He should be part of the team’s rotation because Thibodeau can count on him to do things at a high level; play defense, knock down 3-pointers and not turn the ball over.
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