Develop: Deuce McBride
Knicks fans love when Tom Thibodeau puts Deuce McBride into the game. His energy and relentless spirit on defense electrify the Garden, but his offensive shortcomings have kept him outside of Thibs’ rotation.
The 22-year-old guard made a jump from his rookie season to 2022-23 as he averaged 3.5 points and 1.1 assists per game in an average of 11.9 minutes across 64 contests.
McBride’s had success in the several games he’s played for Westchester over the past two seasons, as he’s averaged 27.9 points, 10.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 49.2% from three. Sadly, the competition that McBride’s faced in the G League is night and day from the level of competition in the NBA.
The good thing with McBride is that he’s steadily improved, so much so that he appeared in eight postseason games.
At the end of June, SNY’s Ian Begley reported that the Knicks had received trade calls regarding McBride. That was before New York picked up his team option for 2023-24.
Although McBride is a favorite of Thibodeau’s, it’s difficult to find minutes for the young guard because of the Knicks’ number of guards. Now, Donte DiVincenzo is in the picture. Unless McBride is included in a trade package for a star, New York needs to keep hold of the defensive pest. McBride could be vital to the Knicks’ future if his offensive game can catch up to the NBA.