Even though this past 2021 NBA Draft was a very deeply talented class, New York Knicks second round selection Miles McBride felt disrespected being picked 36th overall. He’s now taking it out on his opponents in 2021 NBA Summer League with his signature stifling defense, solid mid-range jump shot and overall tenacity. McBride is playing like he’s starving for minutes and teams who passed him up on draft night may have second thoughts about not selecting the former West Virginia Mountaineer. Miles “Duece” McBride has been so locked in, he went to a restaurant after a summer league game wearing the Knicks jersey he used when he nailed 6-three pointers and scored 22-points against the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night.

The Moeller High School top performer played for Bob Huggins at West Virginia. McBride played football in high school as well. The rugged nature of his game could also be due to his father Walter McBride who was a defensive stopping shooting guard when he played for Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and led the Atlantic Ten division in steals one season.

Miles McBride is listed at 6’2” 195 lbs with a solid 6’8” wingspan. Many felt as if the Ohio native is undersized, however, his game doesn’t say the same. The guard who some say Tom Thibodeau pushed for before the draft plays much bigger than his 6’2” frame. The size of his heart and passion for the game has looked special. McBride’s winning brand of basketball can energize a team especially on the defensive end. The lockdown defender is a tough, strong, hard-nosed point guard with above average athletic ability and a NBA ready game.

Knick fans are already falling in love with the rookie selected 36th overall. The former West Virginia Mountaineer’s fearless approach to the game will make New York Knicks Head Coach Tom Thibodeau feel comfortable playing him early on if need be.

Miles McBride Draws Avery Bradley Comparisons.

McBride’s stifling defense is similar to a young Avery Bradley on the Boston Celtics. Avery Bradley was part of the 2011-12 Boston Celtics team who lost in seven games to a loaded LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade Miami Heat roster during the 2012 NBA Playoffs. Miami Heat went on to win the 2012 NBA Championship, knocking off a young Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City Thunder. McBride has the potential to eventually embody everything Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks currently stand for similar to what both Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart did for Boston defensively. Marcus smart continues to fill the defensive enforcer role for Boston until this day.

Could Miles McBride be the Steal of the Draft?

Many Knick fans believe McBride was a steal at the 36th overall pick especially after rumors circulated before the 2021 NBA Draft that the Knicks were contemplating using their original 21st pick to nab the pesky defender out of West Virginia. Only time will tell and so far, McBride is playing tenacious, winning basketball on both ends of the court, as he continues making it difficult for any head coach to keep him on the bench.

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