Miles McBride is a player development success story for the Knicks and has a chance to be the team’s first Sixth Man of the Year in more than a decade, writes James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. The fourth-year guard didn’t play much in his first two seasons, but he got coach Tom Thibodeau’s attention by improving his game behind the scenes. He emerged as a rotation member last season and has become a vital part of the second unit following the team’s offseason moves.
“From the front office down to the coaching staff and my teammates, there has been a lot of belief in me,” McBride said. “It gives me a lot of confidence to go out there and do what I do.”
After trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to Toronto last year, New York signed McBride to a three-year, $13MM extension that’s turning out to be a team-friendly contract. Edwards notes that the organization’s faith in McBride made it easier to part with Donte DiVincenzo last month in the deal for Karl-Anthony Towns.
“Every time he was called upon, he was ready,” Thibodeau said. “I think it was a byproduct of the work ethic. When he went down to the G League, he played really well. Anytime he was thrust into the rotation, he played really well in those situations.”
There’s more from New York City:
- Towns appreciates having more chances to play in front of his family after the Knicks acquired him from Minnesota, per Ethan Sears of The New York Post. His father still coaches in New Jersey at the school where Towns once played. “It’s special to be around family more often,” Towns said. “My niece and nephew being able to be at more of my games and being able to see them grow up on my off-days. It’s really special. Definitely special to be back home.”
- Nic Claxton is still coming off the Nets‘ bench after missing the preseason with a hamstring injury, but he looks close to reclaiming his starting job, observes Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Claxton played a season-high 22 minutes Sunday night, helping to control Giannis Antetokounmpo while posting 10 points, 11 boards and two blocks. “I’m still finding [my rhythm]. I’m still finding it,” Claxton said. “It’s gonna take some time. But I felt better today being out there just helping out trying to just make something positive happen on every single possession. And I did that.”
- The Nets gave Jordi Fernandez his first win as an NBA head coach on Sunday, Lewis adds in a separate story. It was extra special because his family flew in from Spain to watch the game. “You have to enjoy this moment, because there’s only one time that you’re the head coach when you win a [first] game,” he said. “On the other hand, I also feel like what’s the next step, and we’ve got to move on to the next thing. I want to be in this league, I want to be with this club for a long time.”
Fernandez does seem like he can get a lot out of that team. Their performance against the Bucks was excellent.
Speaking of lottery teams getting their first win, the Blazers exposed the Pels last night. Ayton and Clingan dominated the interior with the Pels lack of bigs, and Jerami Grant’s defense on Zion in the first half and in transition over the game gave them room to operate. Simons and Camara came out hungry and opened the lead with Ayton and Clingan controlling the paint.
NO should be looking at Mitch. I’m sure he would love to come home and play for Pels.
They’re probably going to try for Claxton first. He’s too good of a player to spend time as the Nets rebuild. Robinson is of more value to the Knicks imo, letting them play KAT at the 4 where he was more successful last season. He’s developed as a Center, but I think the Knicks need the ability to rim protect and run drop at the same time if they want the title.
They could maybe try and get Claxton or Ayton or something, but why spend the assets when Robinson is already good whenever he’s available?
Fernandez is light years ahead of Jacque the hand clapper Vaughn
I wanted McBride more than Grimes in their draft. Lucked out and got both. Miles has really worked his way here. Loads of respect. Has improved in every way. We need Miles now with Donte gone. Miles biggest impact to me is his D. He’s solid one on one. And great team D guy. We are lucky to have him.
I said it on day of trade. KAT is playing at home. So that should motivate him to do well. The way Thibs talks about Towns. I believe he’ll get better as time goes on. Just getting started. It’s all about the work now……. NYK
The Knicks gave up way too much of the great drafted players. Losing Grimes and IQ still stings. I just hopes it works out. Doesn’t look good now for my Yankees going all in for Soto.