'The Name to Watch' – Insider Flags New York Knicks Guard’s Uncertain Role Following Clarkson Signing

NBA insider Sam Amico made note of the potential fallout:

“For the Knicks, Miles McBride is a good player who sometimes can be the odd man out in a minutes crunch. That probably won’t improve after Jordan Clarkson signed on. That makes McBride the name to watch here.”

McBride, a second-round pick in 2021, proved himself as a reliable contributor last season. The 23-year-old averaged 8.3 points per game while shooting an impressive 41.0% from three. Beyond the numbers, his defensive tenacity and willingness to take on tough assignments made him a trusted option off the bench.

However, with Jalen Brunson firmly entrenched as the starter, and Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart occupying heavy minutes on the wing, the addition of Clarkson squeezes the guard rotation even further. Unless Brown opts to expand his rotation beyond his usual comfort zone, McBride could see his playing time take a step back.

Kendrick Perkins Puts Spotlight on Karl-Anthony Towns’ Pressure-Filled Season with the New York Knicks

The New York Knicks’ blockbuster acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns was meant to push them into title contention, but former NBA big man Kendrick Perkins believes the spotlight on KAT will be brighter—and heavier—than ever.

“When you talk about players, which players are under the most pressure to deliver, that’s Karl-Anthony Towns,” Perkins said. “Like it’s time for him to deliver. It’s been a lot of criticism when it comes down to Luka Doncic and what he did defensively, and being in shape. Well, KAT falls in that category.”

Towns arrives in New York with three All-Star selections and elite offensive skills, but questions about his defense, conditioning, and playoff performances continue to follow him. With the Knicks’ championship hopes resting heavily on his shoulders, Perkins’ words underline the reality: this season may define whether Towns is remembered as a franchise-changing star or another talent who couldn’t deliver under pressure.

During Towns’ first season with the Knicks, they reached the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000. While they have shown potential, there is pressure for Towns to justify New York’s decision to trade for the star center.