The Knicks will be without one of their key rotation pieces for the foreseeable future, as guard Miles McBride is set to undergo surgery Friday to repair a core muscle injury - commonly referred to as a sports hernia. The timeline for his return remains fluid, but sources indicate he may be sidelined until the playoffs.
While the official injury report had listed McBride out due to left ankle injury management over the past five games, this latest development sheds light on a more significant issue. The 25-year-old had already missed eight games earlier this season after suffering a high ankle sprain in December, and now he'll face another extended absence just as the Knicks are trying to solidify their playoff positioning.
Before the injury bug hit, McBride was carving out his most impactful season yet in a Knicks uniform. Under new head coach Mike Brown, he’s taken a noticeable leap, averaging a career-high 12.9 points per game along with 2.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 28 minutes a night. His efficiency has also jumped, with McBride shooting 43.4% from the field and a career-best 42% from beyond the arc - a significant uptick that’s made him a reliable scoring option off the bench.
McBride’s growth this season hasn’t just been about numbers. He’s brought energy, defensive toughness, and shot-making to a second unit that’s played a crucial role in the Knicks’ success. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions has made him a valuable two-way contributor - and his absence will be felt.
That said, the Knicks were proactive in addressing their backcourt depth, swinging a deal to bring in Jose Alvarado from New Orleans. Alvarado, known for his peskiness on defense and ability to change the tempo of a game, is expected to absorb much of McBride’s minutes during the regular season. While he brings a different style, his presence should help stabilize the guard rotation until McBride is ready to return.
The hope for New York is that McBride’s surgery goes smoothly and that he can ramp back up in time to contribute when the games matter most. If he returns healthy for the postseason, the Knicks will have another weapon in their arsenal - one who’s already proven this season that he can make a real impact on both ends of the floor.