New York Knicks backup point guard Derrick Rose recently stated that he feels in the “unknown.” Should there be a concern?
Derrick Rose’s second stint with the New York Knicks has been so good that we’re slowly forgetting 2016’s failed “super team” even happened. The 34-year-old has shown the sacrifice, poise, and veteran leadership every team needs from its veteran, and his on-court play provides a much-needed spark off the bench when the starters wet the bed every few games.
Recently, however, Rose confessed that his role on the team has been unclear.
Derrick Rose averages 13.5 minutes per game, a significant drop from his 24.5 minutes last season. Part of this has to do with the addition of Jalen Brunson, who provides similar on-court ability, and neither of them are exactly the defensive savants that the Knicks need right now. In his minutes, Rose hasn’t been as effective as we’re used to; he’s shooting just .402 from the field to earn 6.7 points per game.
Even more, Rose is approaching the sunset years of his career, and with Coach Tom Thibodeau’s surprising adjustments this season, it seems like the youth will play a larger role for the team this season. Cam Reddish has seen an uptick in minutes lately, and Immanuel Quickley feels like the go-to option at guard in crucial moments. Quentin Grimes could, hopefully, make his way into the rotation a bit more too.
Thibs could also be trying to preserve Rose’s health, given his age and extensive injury history. But you would think Rose would know that if that were true, right?
That same day, Coach Thibodeau responded with his own claim that he talks to Rose as much as anyone, and that the team is constantly searching for players that can help them win:
Rose has been Thibs’ right-hand man (or maybe the other way around) for 10 of the 15 years he’s played in the league — on three different teams. So the fact there is any disconnect between the two is pretty glaring, especially after the Thunder’s eruption (haha, get it?) in the Garden on Sunday and the subsequent article by SNY’s Ian Begley about Thibs’ suddenly ‘warm seat.’ If uber-zen Derrick Rose isn’t bought in, there is a chance that Thibodeau has lost control of the locker room altogether.
The writing may be on the wall for Thibs’ tenure with this franchise—heck, it may be on his whiteboard next to “do not defend the three-pointer”—and a third divorce could be on the way for him and Derrick Rose soon than later. As reported today by Shams Charania, New York is open to trade discussions about Derrick Rose (and Immanuel Quickley). Several teams (Mavs, Bucks, Raptors, Timberwolves) could use a backup point guard, and he deserves a chance to compete elsewhere. Salary-matching aside, it probably wouldn’t take much to acquire Rose at this moment.
With a decent-not-great 8-7 record, the Knicks are in the midst of a stretch of games that already feels like the ‘sink or swim’ moment of the season. But regardless, it feels like Derrick Rose is barely even on the boat. The clock is ticking on his career, and as the franchise continues to figure out its plans for the future, it feels like time to find him one last place he can bloom.
Stay tuned to KnicksFanTV.com for the latest Knicks news, rumors, and recaps throughout the NBA season. And in case you missed it, check out Knicks Weekly, where CP and Alex are joined by Anthony Donahue to give their takes on the previous week!
