After a promising stretch last year, the guard is struggling to find his rhythm early in the season. Daily Knicks reported that McBride has averaged only 6.4 points through his first five games, a number that feels too low for a player expected to step up. His shooting, usually his strongest asset, has missed the mark far too often. The front office waited to offer an extension this summer, and that patience now looks like a smart move given the current slide.
A Rocky Start to the Season
McBride has played in five games so far, but he has only shown real promise in one matchup against the Boston Celtics. In that single game, he dropped 20 points and hit six of his eight three-point attempts. The other four outings tell a different story, with the former second-round pick shooting just 4-for-19 from the field. The Daily Knicks noted that he is also below average at grabbing rebounds and setting up teammates. A player who cannot create for others or finish at the rim struggles to stay on the floor.
Trade Options on the Table
The contract talks have stalled. Daily Knicks proposed that New York ought to begin exploring trade possibilities instead of hoping for a turn that may never arrive. The team could easily net another young player or pick up multiple second-round picks for the young guard.
Wrist Woes and Team Health
While McBride struggles with his shot, the rest of the roster faces its own health battles. Karl-Anthony Towns injured his left wrist during a collision in Wednesday’s win over Chicago but managed to finish with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Coach Mike Brown tried to ease concerns after the game. “He was still shooting that thang from 30 feet, so the wrist looked OK to me,” Brown said. Even with the team fighting through injuries and finding wins, McBride’s lack of production stands out. The Knicks need every guard to contribute if they want to keep their early momentum going.
