Miles McBride has missed the last 27 games for the New York Knicks, including Tuesday night's 121-116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, as he recovers from sports hernia surgery. McBride was instrumental in establishing a defensive identity for the Knicks early in the season, and his absence since late January has necessitated the arrival of Jose Alvarado via trade for more guard depth.
But McBride doesn't seem too far away from returning to action. According to head coach Mike Brown, via SNY's Ian Begley, McBride has made progress from scrimmaging as he recovers from injury. With only a few weeks left before the playoffs begin, it will be important for McBride to get some live reps as he plays into a rotation role for the team in the postseason.
McBride is a fearless competitor who defends well and changes the tempo of the game for the Knicks with his energy, hustle and shot-making. On the season, he is averaging a career-best 12.9 points per game on 42 percent shooting from beyond the arc, and under Brown's tutelage he has become more important to the team than ever.
The earliest date for McBride's return is the 26th, when the Knicks take on the Charlotte Hornets on the road.
Miles McBride has become invaluable to the Knicks
McBride's progression from spark plug off the bench to an invaluable rotation piece for the Knicks has been nothing short of incredible. New York's play reaches a higher level whenever McBride is on the field; According to PBP stats, whenever McBride is on the court, the Knicks are more than five points better per 100 possessions than when he is not on the court.
Keeping McBride healthy and active once the playoffs begin is vital for the Knicks if they are to ultimately take over the Eastern Conference.
