New York Knicks — Grading the pick: Miles McBride

New York Knicks — Grading Miles McBride’s fit: A

New York’s point guard situation is a mystery right now. With Derrick Rose being an unrestricted free agent and rumors swirling about numerous free agents, we have no idea who will be starting at point on opening night.

Can McBride play himself into the starting point guard job? Probably not, but…

He has the tools to be an NBA point guard. It’s hard to imagine any team, no matter how high they are on the prospect, thrusting an early 2nd round pick into a starting point guard role. Especially a team that was just the 4th seed in the East and isn’t in any kind of full-rebuild mode.

McBride is a lights-out shooter. He shot over 41% from 3, on over 100 attempts, and the key stat – he was assisted on just 58% of them. He can create his own shot, something New York needs more of out of their perimeter players.

The pairing of Quickley and McBride in the backcourt could be a potent duo.

We know New York wanted offense and adding a new weapon like Miles McBride is going to be fun. That’s not the only reason why he’s such a good fit. It’s the defense.

The Knicks were one of the best defensive teams in the league, and yet, we saw them get absolutely torched by Trae Young in the playoffs no matter what they threw at him.

New York’s roster simply doesn’t have someone with the foot speed and technique who can challenge opposing point guards on defense. That’s where McBride could be earning playing time in his rookie season.

McBride has the makings of a player who can leave a mark early in his career, but he could be much more than a role player, he could be the New York Knicks’ long-term answer at point guard.