In fact, he was on six of the team\u2019s top seven lineups when sorted by net rating.<\/a><\/strong> And that pinpoints exactly why McBride remains valuable and a popular player. Even when McBride isn\u2019t hitting shots, can\u2019t finish at the rim, and or make plays for others, he does more good for the team than bad. And sometimes, that\u2019s all that matters.<\/p>\nHe is an elite defender who is still the Knicks\u2019 best point of attack defender, and the one most equipped to handle the high screen and rolls that today\u2019s game is filled with. And his shooting ability and willingness to let it fly ensure that defenses have to account for him much more than Josh Hart, which makes him a perfect fit for Jalen Brunson and the rest of the starting lineup.<\/p>\n
Going into this season, fans are likely a bit more wary of expecting such significant leaps. They\u2019re probably no longer expecting him to be in the running for any awards. They aren\u2019t thinking that he\u2019ll suddenly become a playmaker capable of creating shots for himself or for others on a consistent basis. And they won\u2019t go into the season believing he is going to put up eye-popping stats. But fans can, and should, 100% still be excited about McBride and the undoubtedly positive impact he has on the team every second he is on the floor.<\/p>\n
There are still questions surrounding how Mike Brown will utilize him. In fact, that may be one of the biggest talking points heading into training camp and the preseason. Brown stayed away from playing too many double big lineups in Sacramento, so Mitchell Robinson may start off on the bench. But we also saw Brown give Keon Ellis, another incredible defensive guard who always had a positive impact on the Kings, the short end of the stick last season.<\/p>\n
If Brown does the smart thing, listens to what the data says, and plays McBride as much as possible, he will once again be a net positive on this team. And that is regardless of whether he starts or not, and regardless of how well he is shooting. Obviously, it\u2019d be nice to see him make the kind of adjustments necessary to become more of an offensive threat in his fifth season.<\/p>\n
If the 24-year-old (turns 25 on September 8th) can improve even marginally as a playmaker and become a more efficient finisher around the rim, it would do wonders for him and the team. Is that what I expect, though? Not necessarily. I think McBride plays a lot. I think he\u2019ll have more chances to play with the starters regardless of whether he starts or not. I also think that we\u2019ll see some positive regression from his three-point shooting. I expect some improvements in other parts of his game. And I expect him to be one of the team leaders in net rating again. But I do also think that there are limitations to just how good he can become.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t think he ever becomes a great finisher. And I don\u2019t think he ever turns into a consistently good playmaker. And sadly, he may be closer to reaching his full potential or ceiling that we may have initially thought, which isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing because he\u2019s already an incredibly valuable and productive player on a very good team. I hope I\u2019m proven wrong eventually. Shoot, I hope I\u2019m proven wrong this season.<\/p>\n
But just know that even if McBride doesn\u2019t prove me wrong, or never reaches the heights we expected from him just 12 months ago, he will be productive and be an important part of this team for as long as he\u2019s here. How long does that end up being, though? That may be the biggest question of them all.<\/p>\n
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