The New York Knicks recalled rookie Miles McBride after another career game in the G League.
McBride dished out a career-high 18 assists, one short of the franchise record, in the Westchester Knicks’ 113-94 win over Grand Rapids Gold Monday night at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, CT.
McBride completed a monster double-double with 20 points, three rebounds, and four steals. He was a game-high plus-27 throughout his 40-minute stint to help Westchester catch College Park Skyhawks at 14-13 record, tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference. Only the top six teams of each conference will make the playoffs.
Through nine games in the developmental league, McBride averages 29.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, a league-leading 11.1 assists, and 2.7 steals. He’s shooting 47 percent from the floor and 52 percent from deep, making 4.6 three-pointers per game.
But despite his gaudy numbers, McBride couldn’t crack the Knicks’ regular rotation. That could change soon as the season continues to slip away for the Knicks.
“We’ll see,’’ Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said via NY Post. “I love what ‘Deuce’ has done. We’ll try to figure out how to work that out. He’ll probably be going back and forth. He’s done a really good job. We’ll see how this unfolds.’’
Julius Randle will be out against the Atlanta Hawks Tuesday with sore right quadriceps. Obi Toppin is expected to move up to the starting unit. McBride could earn minutes with the second unit and help shadow Trae Young, the prolific Hawks’ point guard.
In January, McBride hinted why the Knicks are sending him back and forth to their G League club.
“I’m here to learn how to become an NBA point guard and run a team,” McBride said after a 39-point, seven-assist effort in January win against the Motor City Cruise.
He should get his chances in the Knicks’ remaining games, especially when they officially kiss their postseason hopes goodbye.
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