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Grading key Knicks players through first half of 2022-23 season

By Desmond Novack

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks gestures against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 6, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks gestures against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 6, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
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Immanuel Quickley, Miles McBride, New York Knicks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Immanuel Quickley, Miles McBride, New York Knicks. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Immanuel Quickley: B+

Previous Grade: C- 

Compared to how he was playing earlier in the season, Immanuel Quickley has really turned things around. While he has played some excellent defense all season, his offense struggled out of the gate. However, his recent play has done nothing but suggest that he could be a key piece of this team’s future.

In his last 10 games, Quickley averaged 18.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 45.5% from the field and 37.8% from three on 7.4 attempts. Obviously, this isn’t the longest stretch of games, but it’s still impressive.

Quickley has been a spark for both the starting lineup and bench this season and has accepted any role he has been given. His newfound defensive prowess has made him more valuable on the floor than ever. Whenever Quickley is having an off night on offense, he can now make up for it by playing some rather stellar defense.

This season in general has just been great for Quickley as he has set new career highs in nearly every statistical category. Hopefully, he can continue his high level of play once the Knicks get a healthy Obi Toppin and RJ Barrett back.

Miles McBride: C-

Previous Grade: N/A

This has been a rather interesting season for Miles McBride. His defense has been nothing short of great, but offensively, sheesh. Let’s just say that if McBride doesn’t improve on that end soon he could be getting replaced in the rotation.

I’d love to give McBride more time as I think he has the potential to be one of the better defensive guards in the NBA, but his offense has been so putrid this season that it’s hard to justify not trading for a more consistent veteran to take his spot in the rotation. If that were to happen McBride would most likely be sent to the G-League for a bit to develop his offense.

In 28 games, McBride is averaging 4.0 points, 1.2 assists, and 0.8 rebounds while shooting 36.0% from the field and 27.8% from three on 2.6 attempts. While he’s looked slightly better offensively in recent games, it still isn’t good enough to warrant a higher grade.

What makes things worse about McBride’s struggles is that he’s taking very smart shots, but they just refuse to go in. It’s one thing if he struggles with shot selection like most young players, but he honestly plays like a veteran that knows his role, but he just needs his shots to fall.

If McBride was even an average offensive player his grade would be much higher, but it’s hard to give him a higher grade considering how one-sided his game is. I still have hope for McBride, but with how many solid 3-and-D veterans that could be available at the deadline, he could very well be replaced.

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