Miles McBride, Knicks
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Miles McBride of the New York Knicks reacts to a foul call during the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden.
The New York Knicks officially lost one of their most reliable backcourt pieces for an extended stretch on Friday, as guard Miles McBride underwent surgery to repair a core muscle injury.
McBride confirmed the procedure in an emotional post on social media, signaling both gratitude and resolve as his season was put on hold.
“God is good! I will be back better and willing to do WHATEVER is needed to help this team win,” McBride wrote. “Thanks for all the support and well wishes. God Bless
Proverbs 3:5-12 🙏🏾
The surgery was first reported by Fred Katz of The Athletic, who noted the procedure could sideline McBride until the playoffs, depending on recovery.
Surgery Halts Career Season for Knicks Guard
The timing of the injury could hardly have been worse for New York.
McBride, 24, was having the most productive season of his career, averaging 12.9 points in 28.0 minutes per game — primarily off the bench — while emerging as one of the Knicks’ most dependable perimeter threats.
He has connected on 42 percent of his nearly seven three-point attempts per game, ranking second among regular rotation players behind Landry Shamet, who is shooting 44.3 percent.
McBride’s combination of shot-making and on-ball defense had made him a fixture in tight games, particularly alongside Jalen Brunson.
McBride’s Injury Timeline Came Into Focus Late
McBride has missed the Knicks’ last five games, with the team listing his absence as “left ankle injury management.” He originally sprained his ankle in December, an injury that sidelined him for nearly three weeks.
The ankle designation masked a deeper issue, with the core muscle injury ultimately requiring surgical intervention — a development that reshapes New York’s rotation as the postseason approaches.
Knicks Pivot Quickly at Trade Deadline
Within hours of Katz’s report, the Knicks moved decisively to address the void.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, New York acquired guard Jose Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans before Thursday’s trade deadline in exchange for Dalen Terry, two second-round picks, and cash considerations.
Alvarado is expected to step directly into McBride’s role as the primary backup to Brunson.
Alvarado’s Homecoming Adds Emotional Layer
Alvarado’s arrival carries significance beyond roster construction.
A Brooklyn native, he starred at Christ the King High School and grew up idolizing Carmelo Anthony, making his return to New York a natural fit. He also shares strong ties to Puerto Rico, having represented the island in international competition — a connection that further resonates with the fan base.
Nicknamed “Grand Theft Alvarado” for his ability to generate steals, the 25-year-old guard brings career averages of 8.1 points, 3.0 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, along with a relentless, defense-first style that aligns closely with the Knicks’ identity.
Locker Room Embrace, Debut Delayed
Alvarado’s addition was quickly embraced internally.
Josh Hart welcomed him publicly, posting “JOSEEEEEEE” on X shortly after the deal was announced. Hart and Alvarado were briefly teammates in New Orleans during the 2021–22 season and share a similar high-energy approach.
Still, the Knicks will have to wait to see Alvarado in uniform.
He was not with the team for Friday’s marquee matchup against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, as he has yet to clear the post-trade process.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, Alvarado and Terry must pass physicals before officially joining their respective teams.
If all goes as expected, Alvarado’s Knicks debut could come Sunday against the Boston Celtics, with his first appearance at Madison Square Garden projected for Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers.
For now, the Knicks move forward without McBride — but with a clear plan to absorb the loss as they push toward the postseason.