One of the NBA’s biggest trades this season involved the New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors. Headlining the deal were OG Anunoby heading to New York, with RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley heading north.
Unfortunately, the smallest parts of the agreement are the ones that have borne the most fruit. Anunoby was excellent when he was on the court for the Knicks, but an elbow issue cost him 21 games and counting. Precious Achiuwa was an important addition to that deal, as he stepped up in a big way with so many injuries on the roster.
Another major achievement was the production of Miles McBride. One of the main reasons the Knicks made that deal was to open up more playing time for him in the backcourt. The franchise was confident enough in his ability to get the job done that they immediately signed him to a three-year, $13 million contract shortly after the trade.
The Knicks knew what they had in McBride and in the weeks that followed he was unleashed on the rest of the NBA. A highly regarded defensive player, McBride has shown major improvements with his offensive skills as well.
He has been an efficient shooter in his last few games, the most productive run of games of his NBA career. Turning into a two-way player is something the Knicks thought he was capable of, and now other people are starting to notice.
During a recent episode of the podcast, The Old Man and The Three, with JJ Redick, with his guest, fellow former NBA sharpshooter Tim Legler. They were discussing unsung heroes across the league and McBride was praised for what he brings to the team.
“It’s like ‘Wow… This guy comes in with this level of energy, this level of defensive tenacity, and he’s going to shoot over 40% from 3 for this team?’ This is an absolute game changer,” Redick said, via New York Basketball on X.