There are concerns from scouts about the size and style of play of West Virginia in sophomore year point guard Miles McBride and whether he will be an impact player in the NBA. As a result, he dropped out of the first round – to 36th overall, where the Knicks caught him.
The Post reported this week that coach Tom Thibodeau was pushing for McBride, who because of his toughness as a high school quarterback in Cincinnati deserved the nickname « Deuce ».
« I see people before him who I know he’s better than, » West Virginia assistant coach Erik Martin told the Post this week. “He surpassed some of these guys when we played them. He is 6-2, a retired soccer player and a winner. He has toughness. With that he came in the door. Hopefully he’ll be drafted where he’d play. ”
The Knicks will try to find a starting point for free agency, but McBride could be the agitator they need, especially against their archenemy: Trae Young the Hawks .
McBride averaged 15.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists in the sophomore year. He shot 41.4 percent out of 3-point range. « There are questions about his position, » said a scout. “Is he really a 1? Is he a little 2? Is he a real playmaker? He’s a good defender, good athlete, and makes plays, but is he a playmaker? ”
McBride played a bit of shooting guard during the Big 12 season, but his NBA position has to be point guard because of his size. McBride’s wingspan – measured at 6-foot-8 ³ / ₄ – was the top of the bevy of point guards measured at the NBA Combine. McBride’s surprising wingspan was due in part to his hands, which were also the largest among the point guards.
« I can definitely see the ball in my hands, » said McBride at the combine. “I feel comfortable with that. But I also feel good when I play from the ball. My ability to shoot is a big part of my game. And to play with another player who has the ball in hand, I definitely can. I’m comfortable making decisions and having the ball in my hands. And because I’m so competitive, I have the feeling that I can find myself in a team that contributes a lot of both. ”
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