3 Players Thibodeau must be more open-minded with in Knicks playoff run

CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 31: Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks watches from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on March 31, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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Miles McBride, New York Knicks. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

2: Miles McBride

Like Jericho Sims, Miles McBride is in his second season in the league. McBride is a player that fans were hoping to see more of this season, especially after getting to see him in action again at Summer League, but he averaged only 3.5 points and 1.1 assists in 11.9 minutes during 64 regular season games.

McBride isn’t going to get consistent minutes during New York’s first-round series, but when he does play, he’ll make his presence known on the defensive end. He’ll be able to jump in and work to contain Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland when needed.

McBride’s weakness is his offense, but he did show that he can be relied on when he dropped 18 points (6-of-8 from the field, 4-of-5 from three) in 25 minutes in the Knicks’ win over the Trail Blazers on March 14. Cleveland is far from being the team that Portland was this season, but that was still a promising development for McBride.

Don’t be surprised if Deuce makes some noise in his playoffs debut. He’s the defensive pest that can go in and disrupt the Cavaliers’ offense.

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