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5 players who saw their stock rise during NBA Summer League

By Holden Walter-Warner

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 26: Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Moda Center on January 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 26: Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at Moda Center on January 26, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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5 players who saw their stock rise during NBA Summer League
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 28: Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks in action against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on March 28, 2022 in New York City, 5 players who saw their stock rise during NBA Summer League. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 109-104. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

5 players who saw their stock rise during NBA Summer League: 2. Miles McBride, New York Knicks

Quentin Grimes was a consideration here, but he was already competing for either a starting spot or a leading role in a Donovan Mitchell trade. Miles McBride’s rise this summer was more elevating.

The second-year guard out of West Virginia played a critical role in taking the New York Knicks to the Summer League title game. He had little issue converting in the arc or at the free throw line and stayed active on the defensive end, forcing 11 steals.

McBride looked strong as a scorer, dropping at least 14 points in all five games he played in. His occasional flashes of greatness were mixed with moments of frustration when he was used more; against the Orlando Magic, he had 23 points, five rebounds, and five assists, but also six turnovers.

His performance was impressive enough to earn a longer look from the Knicks than he got as a rookie, though. He played in only 40 games last season and averaged less than 10 minutes per contest.

The Knicks’ backcourt remains crowded, but if a Mitchell trade comes to pass, there might be more room for McBride to get minutes if Grimes or Immanuel Quickley (or both) are gone. Then again, McBride could be gone too.

McBride had a strong Summer League last year, averaging 15.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. It didn’t lead to anything during the season, though.

After this summer, that should change.