The point guard position in the NBA Draft is pretty deep. With the combination of size, scoring, playmaking, etc, there are players in this position who can make a difference on an NBA roster. Playing two seasons at the University of West Virginia, Miles McBride has evolved tremendously and has shown a lot of maturity in his game. Now projected to be a valuable piece in the NBA Draft, McBride brings a multitude of things in his game that separates him from smaller point guards in the NBA.

McBride is a three-level scorer who plays with an intensity level that allows him to be a tenacious leader on the floor. He has grown tremendously through his two seasons at West Virginia as a scorer and a decision-maker. He can create opportunities off the dribble and is creative around the rim with ferocious finishes and acrobatic layups. Due to the season West Virginia had as a top contender in the Big 12, McBride continued to increase his draft stock, giving NBA scouts optimism of his capabilities at the next level.

McBride averaged 15.8 points per game along with five assists on 43 percent shooting. In his sophomore season, he increased his three-point shooting tremendously and showed more confidence from that range. Through the Big 12 Tournament along with the NCAA Tournament, McBride continued his leadership. He led the way with an average of 20 points per game on 49 percent shooting. Unfortunately, the Mountaineers took a three-point loss to the Syracuse Orange, putting an end to McBride’s collegiate career.

With the NBA Draft a week away, McBride is projected to become a mid to late first-round pick. There’s a mixture of playoff contenders and rebuilding rosters that could use his energy on the team. With that being said, the teams listed below could benefit from the selection of McBride in the NBA Draft.

Potential Suitors for Miles McBride

Memphis Grizzlies

ould Memphis use their 17th pick to select McBride? It wouldn’t hurt to add another backcourt player onto the roster. McBride’s athleticism and energy would set the tone for Memphis while he is playing amongst the second unit.

Just imagine how the arena would be with two quick and athletic point guards in Ja Morant and McBride. Keep in mind, the Grizzlies have been impressed with the production of De’Anthony Melton and Tyus Jones this past season. The point guard spot could be competitive in the practices and head coach Taylor Jenkins will have to decide who will be more worthy of playing time between the three players at the point guard position.

Houston Rockets

Three picks in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets will need to take advantage of. There is still uncertainty whether the Rockets will go for Jalen Suggs or Evan Mobley at the number two pick. But if they do not select Suggs, then Houston could use a shot creator and decision-maker at the point guard position.

McBride and Porter Jr in the backcourt could potentially be an interesting duo. Both would complement each other very well and would take immense pressure off Christian Wood as the star in the frontcourt. A possible draft pick of McBride could add another piece to the Rockets’ rebuilding process.

Oklahoma City Thunder

According to NBADraft.Net, the prediction is the Oklahoma City Thunder would select Bones Hyland with their number 18 pick. Could there be a chance Sam Presti and his staff go another direction? The Thunder are another team looking to build for the future. They’ve done a terrific job at drafting prospects who are strong-minded and dedicated to improving their game. A draft pick of McBride could possibly become one that they will not regret in the long run.

It’s simple, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the franchise piece to build around, which means that McBride would become a second-string point guard. But that wouldn’t take away from his ability to make an impact. McBride can choose between being an aggressive scorer or a decision-maker when Gilgeous-Alexander is out of the game. The more he shows his capabilities as a leader on the floor, the more trust he will gain from his teammates.

Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images

Nick Andre

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