Miles “Deuce” McBride, at just 23 years old, has quickly emerged as one of the New York Knicks’ most promising young players. Currently on a three-year contract with decreasing salaries—$4.7 million, $4.3 million, and $3.9 million—his deal stands as one of the best in the NBA.
Fan Favorite Deserves A Bigger Role In Nova Knicks?
Stepping up
Entering the 2023-24 season, McBride needed to improve his all-around scoring and ball-handling. His defense was already top-tier, but his offensive game required refinement. Remarkably, McBride responded by making substantial improvements in his shooting and scoring efficiency. He finished the season with averages of 8.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 19.5 minutes per game. His shooting splits of 45% from the field, 41% from three, and 86% from the free-throw line marked significant progress from previous years.
McBride’s improved free-throw percentage reflects his development in mechanics and mental toughness. He has become a reliable three-point shooter and has shown an ability to score from mid-range and at the rim. However, his ball-handling and playmaking still need work. McBride struggles with agility when dribbling, often getting cut off by defenders. This issue was evident in his inability to consistently initiate the offense, drawing criticism from teammates and head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Despite these challenges, McBride’s advanced statistics showed considerable growth. His True Shooting Percentage (TS%) jumped from 39% in his first season to 59% in 2023-24, largely due to his improved shooting from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line. His Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) increased to 0.6, and his Win Shares per 48 minutes (WS/48) rose to .131. Additionally, his turnover percentage decreased despite a significant increase in minutes, highlighting his improved decision-making under pressure. Miles McBride played in some big spots due to an injury-riddled playoffs for the Knicks.
Defensively, McBride continued to excel, posting a 110 defensive rating. He was also a key part of several of the Knicks’ best lineups, appearing in three of the top ten net-rated lineups and two of the top ten offensive-rated lineups.
The Playoffs
In the 2024 playoffs, Miles McBride’s performance for the Knicks was a mixed bag. He averaged 11 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, with shooting splits of 43.5% from the field, 36.8% from three, and 83.3% from the free-throw line. While he provided crucial scoring and spacing at times, his efficiency and defensive impact waned as the playoffs progressed. This highlighted the need for the Knicks to acquire a more capable ball-handler for their second unit.
The Last Word
Looking ahead to the 2024 offseason, McBride’s primary focus should be on refining his ball-handling and playmaking skills. If Miles McBride can make strides in these areas, his already favorable contract could become an absolute steal for the Knicks. McBride has solidified himself as a key role player and earned the trust of Tom Thibodeau. With continued improvement, he could help the Knicks take another step forward as a title contender.
In summary, Miles McBride’s third season marked a significant leap in his development, establishing him as a vital piece of the Knicks’ rotation. His contract remains one of the best bargains in the league, and with further improvements, he could play an even more critical role in the Knicks’ pursuit of a championship.
