The New York Knicks are set up for one of their best seasons in franchise history, entering the season with high expectations.
Coming off their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000, the Knicks have retooled, maintaining their core while also supplementing the roster with valuable depth pieces.
While their new additions are expected to contribute right away, there's a young player already on the roster who was predicted to take another step forward entering his fifth season as a pro.
Deuce McBride predicted to 'make the biggest leap'
Miles "Deuce" McBride, New York's reserve shooting guard, was predicted to make the biggest leap by Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes.
"New head coach Mike Brown has had success coaxing the best out of a scoring sixth man when his system produced the best basketball of Malik Monk's career in Sacramento. Maybe he can do the same thing with Miles McBride in New York," wrote Hughes.
"A career 36.0 percent three-point shooter who peaked at 41.0 percent in 2023-24, McBride could be key to giving New York true five-out spacing. If Brown has any luck getting the Knicks to pick up their tempo on offense, the 25-year-old could also feature prominently as a transition scorer."
While McBride has spent most of his time coming off the bench throughout his young career in New York, given the preseason injury to incumbent starter Josh Hart, the West Virginia product may see an increase in minutes and usage entering the 2025-26 season.
While not the rebounder Hart is, McBride is a solid three-point shooter and would provide better spacing in Knicks' lineups featuring Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
With a new coach and a new system that better fits his skillset, McBride may be a key piece for New York as they look to contend for an NBA championship in a weakened Eastern Conference.
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- Knicks head coach Mike Brown plans to add more to offense, alleviate burden on Jalen Brunson and KAT
- Knicks trade idea lands up-and-coming center from Jazz for fan favorite guard
- Karl-Anthony Towns opens up on last year's Knicks-Timberwolves trade