Former New York Knicks guard Shane Larkin recently shared his thoughts on his time with the franchise during the 2014-15 NBA season. Now a star in Europe, particularly in Turkey, Larkin described his lone season in New York as mentally draining, despite being physically healthy.

“Didn’t Fit My Game”

Larkin explained the frustration of joining the Knicks after being acquired in the trade that sent Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton to Dallas. “Coming off an injured season, you’re finally healthy, and then you can’t even play your game. You’re forced into a style that doesn’t fit what you do best. So mentally, that year just beat me up,” Larkin revealed.

From NBA Prospect to European Star

Drafted 18th overall in 2013 by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to Dallas on draft night, Larkin’s NBA journey began with setbacks. He suffered a broken ankle during Summer League and missed three months of his rookie year before playing 48 games with the Mavericks. His move to New York was supposed to be a fresh start, but it ended up being a season filled with challenges.

A Career Reborn Overseas

After four years in the NBA, Larkin transitioned to Europe, where he has since thrived and become one of the premier guards in international basketball. His story serves as a reminder that fit and opportunity can define a player’s trajectory as much as talent.

The New York Knicks shocked the basketball world last season when they eliminated the Boston Celtics in the playoffs. Entering the series as heavy underdogs, New York clawed back from multiple double-digit deficits and ultimately pulled off one of the most surprising upsets in recent NBA memory.

Paul Pierce Downplays the Knicks’ Success

Not everyone has been impressed with New York’s accomplishment. Celtics legend Paul Pierce, who has frequently taken shots at the Knicks over the years, criticized the victory during a recent interview. “Yeah, I think they blew that series,” Pierce said. “They had 20-point leads in the first two games — at home — and they lost them both? Yeah, they blew that series. That had nothing to do with the Knicks’ talent and all that.”

Knicks’ Resilience Tells a Different Story

While Pierce insists Boston let the series slip away, the Knicks did more than capitalize on mistakes. After rallying from early deficits, New York consistently outplayed the Celtics the rest of the way. The defining moment came in Game 4, when Jalen Brunson and Jayson Tatum went toe-to-toe in a high-stakes duel that Brunson and the Knicks ultimately won to seize a 3-1 series lead.

Changing Perceptions Around the Knicks

Regardless of Pierce’s criticism, the victory marked a turning point for the Knicks. Their ability to rally under pressure and eliminate a championship contender elevated their reputation across the league, proving they were no longer a team to overlook in the Eastern Conference.

The New York Knicks have been busy reshaping their roster, and their latest acquisitions have created a logjam in the backcourt. With the addition of Malcolm Brogdon, along with the earlier signings of Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet, minutes at the guard position are suddenly at a premium.

Why McBride May Be Expendable

Miles McBride has shown flashes of value as a defensive-minded guard, but compared to Clarkson’s scoring punch and Brogdon’s all-around game, his role looks limited. Even if New York wanted to juggle rotations, it’s unlikely McBride would see consistent playing time with so many options ahead of him.

The Kolek Factor

What makes things even more complicated is the presence of Tyler Kolek, New York’s second-year point guard. Unlike McBride, Kolek offers untapped potential and could command strong value in a trade. For a team looking to maximize its championship window, dealing Kolek while his stock is rising may bring in an impactful return.

Depth vs. Redundancy

While depth is critical for a contender, too much overlap at one position can backfire. The Knicks’ guard rotation is now packed with multiple scoring and playmaking options, making it difficult for both McBride and Kolek to carve out meaningful roles. Trading one—or both—could help New York balance the roster more effectively.

Strategic Path Forward

By moving McBride and possibly Kolek, the Knicks could target another frontcourt piece or a 3-and-D wing, positions that may prove more valuable as the season progresses. With their recent moves, New York has signaled that it is all-in on contending, and streamlining the guard rotation might be the next logical step.