Overview
- McBride, recovering from sports-hernia surgery since late January, is reported to be very close to activation with eight regular-season games left.
- His comeback would restore the Knicks’ top bench scorer and a key on-ball defender, raising the group’s scoring punch and perimeter pressure.
- Coaches are expected to pull a current rotation guard to make room, with Jose Alvarado viewed as the likely cut after a recent slump.
- Alvarado’s production has dipped to 3.4 points on 36% shooting over his last 10 games, and he sat the second half in a recent loss to the Hornets.
- Jordan Clarkson’s surge and Landry Shamet’s steady defense and three-point shooting have tightened the guard mix, while rookie Mohamed Diawara projects as a situational option rather than a playoff regular.