Deuce McBride Nearing Return, and the Knicks’ Guard Rotation Is About to Get Complicated
The New York Knicks are about to get a key piece back in the mix. Deuce McBride, who’s been sidelined since December 7 with a sprained left ankle, is inching closer to a return.
That’s good news for a team looking to solidify its backcourt depth-but it also sets the stage for a tough decision in the rotation. With McBride on the mend, someone’s minutes are about to take a hit, and right now, that spotlight is on Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek.
McBride Progressing Toward Return
McBride hasn’t suited up in weeks, but the signs are pointing in the right direction. He’s been active on the court, going through a variety of drills with Knicks coaches and pushing through what’s been described as “vigorous work.” He’s been cleared for contact, though he hasn’t participated in a full-contact scrimmage just yet-largely because the Knicks haven’t had a practice window to allow it.
That’s an important wrinkle here. The Knicks’ schedule doesn’t give them two consecutive days off until mid-January, so if the coaching staff wants McBride to get in a full practice before returning to game action, the timeline could stretch a bit longer.
Still, the momentum is building. And when he does come back, the ripple effects will be immediate.
Kolek’s Rise Complicates the Picture
When McBride first went down, it didn’t seem like the Knicks would be facing a rotation dilemma. Tyler Kolek was still finding his footing, only seeing real minutes after Landry Shamet went out with a shoulder injury. Fast forward a few weeks, and Kolek has made a strong case to stay in the rotation-even when McBride returns.
Since December 7, Kolek has quietly been one of the Knicks’ most effective players. He’s seventh on the team in total minutes over that stretch and has been highly productive in his time on the floor-averaging 12.4 points and 8.7 assists per 36 minutes while shooting an eye-popping 85.7% on two-point attempts. The Knicks are a +64 with him on the court during that span, which isn’t just good-it’s the best mark on the team by a wide margin.
The 24-year-old’s playmaking has been especially valuable. His ability to keep the offense flowing, set up teammates, and hold his own defensively has filled a key void.
Even though his three-point shot remains a work in progress, the rest of his game has come together quickly. He’s even shown some chemistry with Jalen Brunson, giving the Knicks a different look when the two share the floor.
Clarkson’s Role in Question
That puts pressure on Jordan Clarkson, who’s had an up-and-down season. The veteran guard can still fill it up when he’s hot, but his inconsistency and lack of true playmaking instincts have been tough to navigate-especially when he’s tasked with leading bench units without Brunson.
Clarkson is more of a scorer than a facilitator, and that’s fine when the offense is clicking. But when the Knicks need someone to steady the ship, Kolek has started to look like the better option.
If the coaching staff decides they need a traditional floor general off the bench, Kolek’s name is going to come up first. That would leave Clarkson battling McBride for minutes-and that’s not a battle he’s likely to win.
McBride brings elite point-of-attack defense and a reliable three-point shot. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, and he fits seamlessly into lineups with or without Brunson. If it comes down to McBride or Clarkson, the Knicks may not hesitate to lean on the younger, more well-rounded option.
A Logjam Is Coming
Head coach Mike Brown will have some flexibility to mix and match. Landry Shamet’s injury opens up some minutes, and the Knicks can still run three-guard lineups-especially while they’re thin on wing depth and Guerschon Yabusele continues to struggle to carve out a role.
But even with that wiggle room, there’s only so much time to go around. Kolek has been averaging just over 17 minutes in McBride’s absence.
Clarkson’s been a touch over 20. Once McBride is back in the fold, someone’s going to lose minutes.
The math just doesn’t work any other way.
Brown could try to trim a few minutes from the starters to ease the load, but realistically, either Clarkson or Kolek is about to see their role shrink-potentially below the 15-minute mark, or even out of the regular rotation entirely.
It’s a good problem to have in some ways. The Knicks are getting healthier, and their depth is showing real promise.
But with McBride’s return on the horizon, the coaching staff is going to have to make some tough calls. And for Clarkson and Kolek, the battle for minutes is just getting started.