Last year, the New York Knicks were one of the deepest teams in the league. They had plenty of forwards, guards, and even two quality centers. On top of that, they had several draft picks they could use in trades for a star. After their latest trade for Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks have six great players, and then a lot of question marks. This is where Miles McBride will play a huge role. New York was determined to keep the backup point guard out of any trade talks, and now, they are betting on him to win the Sixth Man of the Year Award. For the Knicks to be a championship contender, McBride has to lead their bench. Since it is him, Precious Achiuwa, and a couple of veteran minimum players, his chances are high.
Knicks Betting on Miles McBride as Sixth Man of the Year
Looking at the Knicks’ Depth Chart
The New York Knicks potentially have the best starting five in the league, rivaling even the Boston Celtics. Their potential starting lineup includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby. While that is a great starting lineup, championship teams need help from their bench to get to the finish line. In other words, when the starters go to rest, somebody has to shoulder the load. The bench should at least keep the score even, or try to increase the lead or lower the deficit.
How does McBride Fits the Bill?
Miles Deuce McBride is entering his fourth year in the league. Recently, he signed a three-year, $13 million fully guaranteed contract with the Knicks. On top of it, his contract is team-friendly. The backup point guard will earn less as the years go by. In each of the previous seasons, McBride has improved in certain areas. Looking at Miles McBride’s stats, last year, he averaged 8.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while playing close to 20 minutes per game.
In the playoffs, with the Knicks desperate for additional scoring besides Brunson, he upped his averages to 11 points per game including two 20-plus point games, once in a loss to the Pacers, and once in a win over the Sixers. This year, the Knicks will count on him to be their leading scorer off the bench. They do not have many more options, and McBride is certainly capable of delivering. Last year, he upped his three-point shooting from 29.9 percent on 2.1 attempts to 41 percent on 3.9 attempts per game.
How Does He Stack Against the Competition?
The irony is that one of McBride’s biggest competitors for the Sixth Man of the Year award will be his former teammate, Donte DiVincenzo. Now playing for the Timberwolves, DiVincenzo will come off the bench and provide scoring and shooting. He will probably spend a lot of time with the starters, given that Mike Conley is on the back end of his 30s which will spell plenty of scoring opportunities for Donte.
If we look at the betting odds, they do not give McBride a huge chance, he is not even in the top 10. Malik Monk is the odds-on favorite, followed by Alex Caruso, and last year’s winner Naz Reid. Yet, for the Knicks to be a championship contender, McBride will have to become one of the league’s best sixth men.
