Miles “Deuce” McBride has long been a fan favorite in New York, known for his versatility and steady two-way play. As the Knicks look to build a championship-worthy core, McBride has evolved into the type of role player teams rely on: able to start or come off the bench, deliver timely shooting, and provide scrappy defense. The next step for him is to carve out a larger, more consistent niche within a rotation led by Jalen Brunson, and under a new coaching mindset that emphasizes spacing and cutting-edge ball movement.
A potential turning point for McBride is how the rotation is constructed next season. In recent seasons, coach Tom Thibodeau kept McBride in a limited, sometimes peripheral role, rarely giving him extended opportunities in the starting lineup or meaningful minutes alongside Brunson in clutch stretches. One of the more notable lineups with McBride featured Brunson paired with Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns, delivering a strong net rating in limited minutes. Yet that grouping didn’t get playoff usage, and McBride’s regular-season minutes dipped once the playoffs began.
With the arrival of new head coach Mike Brown, there is a sense that McBride could be deployed with greater freedom. Early indications point toward more opportunities for McBride to share the floor with Brunson, while Hart’s workload could be managed more conservatively to keep him fresh. The additions of Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson are expected to widen the rotation and improve spacing, which would benefit McBride’s shooting and defensive schemes. If Brown emphasizes quicker ball movement and better spacing, McBride’s ability to hit mid-range looks and become a catch-and-shoot threat could become a more frequent weapon for New York.
The Case for a Starting Role
Is there a real path for McBride to start alongside Brunson this coming season? It’s plausible. Hart and Mitchell Robinson have been the more traditional options alongside Brunson, Anunoby, Bridges, and Towns in certain lineups, but McBride offers superior spacing and solid defensive temperament—attributes that are valuable in a playoff-caliber lineup. While Hart brings ball-handling and rim-attacking prowess, McBride’s growing shooting prowess and developing understanding of the offense could help New York maintain spacing without sacrificing defense. The organization is also counting on Brown’s system to enhance passing and decision-making; McBride’s growth as a shooter and passer could be a perfect fit for a more fluid scoring approach.
McBride has already indicated his excitement about the coaching change and the chance to build a strong relationship with Brown and the rest of the roster. He stressed that conversations with the new coach have been positive and that the focus is on getting everyone aligned around a clear plan for the season ahead. This is a pivotal year for McBride to demonstrate his full skill set and prove he belongs in a larger, more consistent role.
Outlook and Optimism
McBride’s arc with the Knicks suggests a player who can grow from a spark plug into a cog that complements a star duo. The key questions for training camp will be: how does he fit with the new spacing and ball movement emphasis, and how often can he be trusted in high-leverage minutes? If he continues to develop as a shooter, improves his decision-making, and stays ready when called upon, McBride could become a flexible piece in a deeper, more dynamic rotation that supports Brunson and Towns (and whatever other weapons the Knicks assemble).
Bottom line: McBride has the opportunity to take a meaningful step forward. If he leverages better spacing, continues to defend at a high level, and contributes as a reliable secondary creator, he can help the Knicks push toward a deeper playoff run. A more proactive, versatile role would not only validate his early career promise but also provide the team with a practical, high-energy contributor in a broader championship-ready lineup.
What to watch next season
– Minutes with Brunson: Do McBride and Brunson share more on- and off-ball action, especially in lineups with improved spacing?
– Spacing and shooting: Will McBride’s shooting development open up more drives for Brunson and Tak others, while keeping defenses honest?
– Role clarity: Will McBride start at some point, or will he remain a high-impact sixth man who adapts to multiple lineups?
– Playmaking growth: How much will Brown’s system accelerate McBride’s decision-making and passing reads?
Overall, there’s a hopeful, positive trajectory for McBride if the Knicks can maximize his strengths and create opportunities for him to contribute consistently in a larger role. The season ahead could be a meaningful showcase of his full potential.