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New York Knicks’ most underrated player has proven Mike Brown must not forget about him

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Charlie Walker | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Mike Brown’s tenure as Head Coach of the New York Knicks got off to a winning start in Madison Square Garden.

The New York Knicks beat last year’s number one seed, the Cleveland Cavaliers, 119-111. They were led by OG Anunoby’s 24 points and 14 rebounds, as the Knicks turned up the heat in the fourth to build a lead.

It was an impressive victory for the Knicks, who were shocked by Malcolm Brogdon’s surprise retirement just days before the new season. Brogdon, a former Sixth Man of the Year, was expected to be a key rotation piece for New York this year.

And with no time to find a replacement, the Knicks had to rely on their other bench players to fill the hole left by Brogdon’s retirement. Luckily, a player stepped up in their season opener to prove how valuable he can be to Brown’s side.

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Miles McBride proved he is a pivotal player for the New York Knicks

This is a vitally important season for Miles McBride. Trading McBride became a real possibility for the Knicks this summer as they looked to position themselves for a championship run. New York should be relieved that they didn’t move on from McBride after what he did in game one.

Brown gave the fifth-year pro 25 minutes in the Knicks’ season opener, and McBride rewarded his coach’s faith with 15 points off the bench. He made four field goals, all from three, and finished the game with the highest +/- on the team in an eight-point win.

2️⃣ in the right place at the right time

15 PTS | 4/6 3PM | 2 REB pic.twitter.com/DQkseSJfX1
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 23, 2025

It was an impressive display from a player who has shown steady improvement in every season of his NBA career. He averaged 9.5 points per game last year, an average that has increased gradually since he was drafted in 2021.

McBride was a second-round pick, and has already exceeded expectations by showing he can be a useful role player for a contending team.

He’s been given a gift in Brogdon’s retirement, opening up space ahead of him in the depth chart, and it looks like he’s determined to fill that void.

OG Anunoby showed New York Knicks he can be a third star

Surprisingly, it wasn’t Jalen Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns that led the Knicks to an opening night win. Instead, Anunoby came firing out of the gates for a hot start to the season.

Anunoby has been a valuable role player in New York since he was traded there in 2023. The 2019 NBA champion averaged 18 points per night last season and gave the team elite wing defense on the other end.

The Knicks pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer as the Greek superstar was rumored to be leaving the Milwaukee Bucks. They hoped to add the two-time MVP to bring star power to what is already a talented roster.