How Will the Loss of a Knicks Veteran Point Guard Impact New York During the Home Stretch?
After logging 30 minutes against the Sacramento Kings on January 27th, Miles McBride finished with nine points, four assists, and two steals while shooting 36% from the field. While the stat line appeared routine, McBride was playing through lingering discomfort stemming from a left ankle injury suffered before Christmas. Shortly after that outing, head coach Mike Brown and the Knicks coaching staff elected to shut McBride down to address a core muscle injury, a decision that ultimately led to surgery. The procedure is expected to sideline McBride for six to eight weeks. Despite the setback, New York remains in strong form, posting a 9-1 record over its last 10 games, though the extended absence of a key rotation piece could test the team’s depth as the NBA all-star break approaches.
McBride has quietly put together a career year for the Knicks, averaging just under 13 points per game while posting the highest usage rate of his career. Serving as the engine of the second unit, he has also been deployed in the starting lineup when New York opts for a small-ball look. During the NBA Trade Deadline, the Knicks added veteran guard Jose Alvarado, one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders and a proven depth piece. The timing of the move raised eyebrows, as the announcement of McBride’s injury followed shortly after the trade was finalized. With Alvarado now available to absorb McBride’s minutes, the Knicks appear prepared to weather the injury while maintaining stability in the backcourt rotation.
Injuries elsewhere have further reshaped the rotation. With OG Anunoby sidelined during New York’s recent matchup against the Boston Celtics, two additional spots opened within the usual eight-man group. Second-year guard Tyler Kolek has emerged as a potential beneficiary, earning increased opportunities as a pass-first guard capable of organizing offense. Kolek scored six points against Boston and has averaged over 10 minutes per game across the previous seven contests. Rookie forward Mohamed Diawara has also seen expanded action, appearing in 43 games this season and averaging five points per game over his last five appearances. As is often the case in the NBA, opportunity has followed adversity, reinforcing the league’s “next man up” mentality.
While McBride’s absence reduces New York’s on-ball defense and high-volume three-point shooting, recent play from Landry Shamet and the arrival of Alvarado have softened the blow. Sitting second in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks remain well-positioned heading into the NBA All-Star Break. If Brown and his staff can solidify the optimal lineup combinations during McBride’s recovery, New York may emerge even stronger. Outside of a single loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Knicks are playing their best basketball of the season. With McBride projected to return within six to eight weeks, New York remains firmly in contention to be among the Eastern Conference’s elite come postseason play.
