The New York Knicks will be without one of their most improved players for the foreseeable future as backup guard Miles "Deuce" McBride prepares for surgical intervention on a core muscle injury. The procedure, scheduled for Friday, addresses a condition commonly known as a sports hernia, which could sideline the 25-year-old for the remainder of the regular season schedule.
According to reporting from The Athletic's Fred Katz, McBride's absence might extend until the postseason begins. "Knicks guard Miles 'Deuce' McBride will undergo surgery Friday on a core muscle injury, more commonly referred to as a sports hernia, and could be sidelined until the playoffs, league sources tell James L. Edwards III and myself," Katz stated. While the organization has not provided a definitive recovery timeline, this development casts a significant shadow over the team's backcourt depth as they navigate the final stretch of the campaign.
The timing of this revelation brings renewed clarity to the Knicks' aggressive pursuit of veteran guard Jose Alvarado at the trade deadline. When New Orleans agreed to send the pesky defender to New York in exchange for a package of players and picks, the move was widely praised as a shrewd addition of playoff-tested toughness. However, some observers questioned whether acquiring another undersized guard would create a logjam, potentially limiting opportunities for promising sophomore Tyler Kolek and cutting into McBride's minutes once he recovered from his previous ankle ailment.
In retrospect, the front office's urgency becomes evident. The trade was not merely a forward-looking move for postseason matchups but an immediate necessity to fill a void that would soon materialize in the rotation. Alvarado's arrival now appears prescient, providing coach Tom Thibodeau with a proven alternative to handle ball-handling duties and perimeter defense in McBride's extended absence.
Before this setback, McBride had established himself as one of the league's most effective reserve guards. In his fifth professional season, the West Virginia product had elevated every facet of his game, posting career-best numbers across the statistical board. Through 35 appearances, including 14 starts, he contributed 12.9 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per contest while shooting 43.4 percent from the floor and an impressive 42 percent from three-point territory.
His role had expanded dramatically, with his playing time swelling to a personal-best 28 minutes per game. McBride had grown increasingly confident operating with the ball in his hands, making sound decisions in pick-and-roll situations and attacking closeouts with purpose. Perhaps most importantly, he had embraced his identity as the team's premier point-of-attack defender, frequently drawing the assignment of opposing star perimeter players and providing the kind of ball pressure that defines Thibodeau's defensive system.
Alongside sharpshooter Landry Shamet, McBride had helped transform the Knicks into one of the NBA's most dangerous three-point shooting teams. His ability to space the floor while maintaining defensive intensity gave New York a rare two-way threat off the bench, allowing the starters to rest without sacrificing competitiveness. The chemistry he developed with the second unit had become a crucial component of the team's success, making his loss particularly acute.
Unfortunately, this injury continues a troubling pattern for McBride, whose career has been intermittently disrupted by physical setbacks. Over the previous two seasons, he missed a combined 32 games, with most of those absences attributed to persistent ankle problems that never seemed to fully resolve. Those same ankle issues resurfaced early this campaign, causing him to sit out 15 games before this new diagnosis emerged.
The guard had missed the team's last five contests under the designation of "left ankle injury management," but as the days passed without positive updates, concern within the organization grew. The sports hernia diagnosis arrived unexpectedly, explaining the prolonged absence and necessitating a more serious medical intervention than originally anticipated. This type of injury, involving a strain or tear in the core muscles of the lower abdomen, can be particularly problematic for basketball players who rely on explosive movements, quick changes of direction, and core stability for both offense and defense.
Historical comparisons offer some guidance on potential recovery timelines, though each case varies significantly. In 2017, veteran point guard Rajon Rondo required approximately five weeks to return from a similar procedure, while forward Markieff Morris needed roughly six weeks before resuming basketball activities. Using those benchmarks as reference points, six weeks from the surgery date would land around March 19, providing a substantial buffer before the playoffs commence in just over ten weeks.
However, several variables could extend that timeline. The Knicks may adopt a conservative rehabilitation approach, prioritizing McBride's long-term health over a rapid return. The severity of the tear, which has not been publicly disclosed, will also play a crucial role in determining how quickly he can safely resume on-court activities. Additionally, the team must consider his recent ankle issues, ensuring that both injuries are fully addressed before clearing him for the physical demands of postseason basketball.
Beyond the immediate rotation implications, McBride's absence eliminates valuable lineup flexibility for Thibodeau. The coaching staff had begun experimenting with alternative starting configurations, and McBride represented a viable option should the team decide to adjust their opening group. While the current starting five, featuring Josh Hart, has performed well, having a proven commodity like McBride available provided insurance and strategic options against different opponent matchups.
For now, those experiments are on hold. Alvarado will likely assume a firm position in the second unit, bringing his trademark defensive tenacity and playmaking to a bench that desperately needs both. Meanwhile, Kolek should maintain his spot in the rotation, as the Knicks will want to preserve his development trajectory while ensuring adequate depth at both guard positions. The rookie from Marquette has shown flashes of promise, and this opportunity could accelerate his growth.
The front office's decision to acquire Alvarado now looks even more astute, as the team would be severely undermanned without that additional ball-handler. His experience in high-pressure situations and his ability to generate steals and transition opportunities should help mitigate some of what McBride provided. Still, replacing a player having a career year is never simple, and the Knicks will need collective contributions to fill the void.
As New York continues its push for favorable playoff positioning, the health of their roster becomes paramount. The Eastern Conference remains highly competitive, and every game matters in the jockeying for home-court advantage. While the team has the talent and depth to weather this storm, losing a key contributor like McBride tests their resilience and forces other players to elevate their performance.
The coming weeks will reveal more about the exact timeline and McBride's recovery progress. For a player who had worked so diligently to carve out a significant role, this setback is undoubtedly frustrating. However, the potential silver lining lies in the timing—if he can return healthy for the playoffs, his fresh legs and renewed energy could provide a boost when it matters most. Until then, the Knicks must adapt, adjust, and continue their pursuit of championship contention without one of their most improved weapons.