When the Knicks acquired Deuce McBride in the 2021 draft, he was looked at by many as an athletic defensive pest with some playmaking, and shooting potential. While his height, and lack of vertical ability
on the offense ability was a concern for some, his 6’8.75” wingspan, instantly translatable defense, and encouraging metrics and stats during his final year at West Virginia made him a popular pick. That being said, McBride’s rise to where he is now was a long, and slow one.
As is often the case with rookies playing under then head coach, Tom Thibodeau, McBride saw very limited time during his first season in the NBA. He appeared in just 40 games, started in just two, and averaged a measly 9.3 MPG. And he struggled mightily offensively during those minutes.
The 21-year old averaged just 2.2 PPG while shooting 29.6% from the field, 25% from three on 1.7 attempts per game, and 66.7% from the free-throw line. There were flashes, and moments of brilliance from McBride, there were some apprehensions on if McBride’s offensive game would ever improve enough for him to earn real minutes.
Year number two for McBride was better, yet only slightly. He appeared in more games-64 games, and averaged more minutes-11.9 MPG, but still struggled to put the ball in the basket. His percentages were up marginally as he finished the season shooting just 35.8% from the field, and 29.9% from three.
But throughout the entirety of his first two years, coaches and players continued to sing their praises for McBride, citing his work ethic and determination. And fans, despite his up and down play, had a hard time not buying into the hype, due Summer League play, and G League outbursts, where he would routinely dominate. In his first season, he averaged 27.8 PPG, and 10.8 APG in six games, and in the following year, he scored 28 points, dished out seven assists, and grabbed eight rebounds in his lone outing there.
It wasn’t until 2024 though that McBride’s, and the Knicks’ trajectory would change. On the penultimate day of 2023, the Knicks traded away starting wing, RJ Barrett, and backup point guard, Immanuel Quickley for a package centered around OG Anunoby. While much of the conversations keyed in on what the Knicks were giving up, and what the Knicks were getting, New York was rumored to have been okay with the trade because of their growing trust in the development of McBride.
With two key rotation piece now up north in Toronto, McBride got more playing time, and flourished, becoming one of the team’s most impactful players. From the trade onwards, McBride averaged 10.6 PPG, and 2.1 APG on 44.9% shooting, and more importantly, 41% from three.
After a tough, injury-filled postseason run, many were expecting a full breakout year from McBride in the following season. But what the Knicks and their fans got instead was a step back. McBride’s name could still be found in many of the Knicks’ best performing lineups due to his defense and gravity, but his personal numbers were on the decline. He averaged just 1.2 PPG more despite playing nearly five more minutes per game, and he shot just over 40% from the field, and under 37% from three.
This season though, McBride has not only remained a mainstay on the Knicks’ strongest lineup combinations, he is doing so while playing the best basketball of his career. After Wednesday night’s 16-point performance against the Clippers, the fifth-year man is now averaging 12.7 PPG while shooting 45.2% from the field, and a blistering 45.3% from three. And if you take zoom in to his play since November 17th, it’s even more impressive. Since then, he is averaging 15.4PPG while shooting 47.7% from the field, and 48.4% from three in 16 games.
He ranks ninth in three-point shooters among the 266 players who have taken over 50 three-pointers , sixth among the 173 players who have taken over 100, and fourth among the 102 players who have taken over 150 three-pointers. And of the 57 players averaging more than six three-point attempts per game, he is the only one shooting over 45% from deep, while also being the only qualified player in the league shooting above 55% on above-the-break three-point attempts.
A lot of it is obviously work ethic, and countless hours. But we’ve also recently heard about two specific people who have helped him refine his jump shot. On New Year’s Eve, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post wrote about how McBride went to Ray Allen, universally acknowledged as one of the top three or five shooters to ever step foot on a court, for some pointers back in 2021. Allen, who unlike Steph Curry, or Damian Lillard, two of this generation’s best shooters, had a higher release point. And as you can see below, McBride has really honed in on Allen’s advice to get more elevation.
McBride also recently credited shooting specialist Peter Patton, who was brought in last year, for his recent hot streak.
“Honestly, trusting in God… keep my faith, keep working,” McBride said. “Medical staff doing great. Working with Coach Pete, Coach Jordan, and staying on top of my game.”
With McBride healthy, in rhythm, confident, and getting the playing time he deserves, we’re seeing the best version of a home-grown player who is rewarding the franchise, and fanbase’s patience with some incredible play on both sides of the ball.
It’s still unclear what McBride’s future with New York is, but if the Knicks are to do make any real noise this year, it is a given by now that McBride must be play a big role. His point-of-attack defense, shooting, and ability to space the floor for Jalen Brunson, and Karl-Anthony Towns have become even more of an indispensable attribute–something we weren’t always sure we’d be able to say.
