Miles McBride shines as Knicks’ hidden gem and sparks discussions on NBA’s best value contract
With Josh Hart sidelined due to an ankle injury, the New York Knicks find themselves with a vacancy in their starting lineup next to their core four: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mikal Bridges. While rookie Mohamed Diawara has stepped in as a temporary solution, it’s Miles “Deuce” McBride who is making a compelling case to secure that coveted fifth starting spot.
A Hot Streak Before Injury
Prior to his recent ankle sprain that kept him out for eight games, McBride was firing on all cylinders. In the ten games leading up to his injury, he averaged an impressive 14.7 points per game, showcasing his ability by shooting 48.4% from beyond the arc. Since returning, he hasn’t missed a beat. In just his second game back against San Antonio, McBride poured in 21 points, hitting 4 of 9 shots from long range.
A Key Component of Success
The Knicks have been on a remarkable run lately, yet McBride’s influence on the team often goes unnoticed. With him in the lineup, New York boasts a record of 17-4 this season, compared to a lackluster 6-6 without him (excluding the NBA Cup final). Averaging 26.5 minutes per game, the 25-year-old is putting up a career-best 12.1 points while making 44.2% of his 6.1 three-point attempts, ranking him 12th in the league in that category.
A Reminder of Development
December 30 marked the two-year anniversary of the trade that sent Anunoby to the Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley—a transaction that also aimed to increase McBride’s playing time. Following this pivotal moment, McBride signed a remarkably team-friendly extension, which is now being discussed as one of the best value contracts in the NBA. Currently, he earns $4.3 million this season, with his salary declining to $3.9 million in 2026-27, accounting for a mere 2.8% of the salary cap.
A Journey Through the Ranks
Drafted 36th overall in the 2021 NBA draft, McBride quickly became a favorite of former head coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his relentless work ethic and tenacity. However, his early career was characterized by limited minutes. During his rookie season, he was overshadowed by veterans Kemba Walker and Derrick Rose, resulting in just 372 minutes of play over 40 games. His sophomore year saw marginally increased opportunities, as he played in 64 games, averaging just under 12 minutes.
Throughout this time, McBride frequently oscillated between the Knicks and their G-League affiliate in Westchester. Initially, his shooting form was a significant barrier; he converted only 28.2% of his three-point attempts in his first two years and was largely viewed as a defensive specialist. But with a revamped shooting technique, he has transformed himself into one of the league’s premier 3-and-D guards.
As McBride continues to impress, the conversation surrounding his value only intensifies, solidifying his role as a vital asset for the Knicks and perhaps one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA.
