Dylan Backer
The New York Knicks have been without Miles McBride for over a month now after undergoing core muscle surgery for a sports hernia. However, they finally got an encouraging update on his rehab as he works his way back to the court.
Knicks’ Miles McBride now taking contact in practice
Prior to their game on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers, head coach Mike Brown told reporters that McBride is now taking contact in practice. Before that, he was only doing form shooting, so this is a step in the right direction as they hope to have him back before the playoffs.
There is still no definitive timetable for his return at this time. Shortly after undergoing surgery, he was given a rough estimate of six-to-eight weeks of rehab, and all signs point to that remaining the case as the regular season winds down.
The Knicks have missed McBride’s shooting and point-of-attack defense in his absence. McBride is in the midst of a career season, averaging a career-high 12.9 points per game and shooting 42% from three, which is one of the top marks in the league.
Despite his absence, the Knicks have continued their winning ways thanks to the addition of Jose Alvarado at the trade deadline and others stepping up. New York is 20-7 since Jan. 21 and own the best defensive rating in the NBA over that span.
McBride will be a huge boost in the playoffs
Getting McBride back will be a huge boost to what is already proving to be a really deep bench. Jordan Clarkson has recently earned his spot in the rotation back, and Mohamed Diawara has been promising in his spot minutes despite being a rookie.
McBride’s return would also put the Knicks at full strength as they try to make their title run, though it is unclear if McBride will be able to ramp up before the playoffs to be back into rhythm. The goal for that to occur would be to have him back on the floor before the end of the regular season.
New York has 12 games remaining on the schedule, so time will tell if McBride will progress quick enough to return before the playoffs. Nonetheless, this latest update is surely the most encouraging.
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