New York Knicks: Derrick Rose Should Say They Are A “Superteam”

By Dan Schultz | Jul 25, 2016

Feb 8, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) sits on the bench during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 108-91. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Though most fans are taking shots at Derrick Rose for him saying many people believe the New York Knicks are a “super-team,” it’s actually a genius move.

When the New York Knicks traded for Derrick Rose earlier in the offseason, one of the things they knew they could count on from him was his confidence. Although the 2010-11 NBA MVP has not been the same in nearly half a decade due to a myriad of injuries, that did not stop him from speaking highly of his position with his new squad.

In an interview with NBA.com, Rose claimed that many people around the league are saying that the Knicks are a “superteam”, and in the same category as the Golden State Warriors.

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While many were quick to criticize and make fun of Rose, being that the Knicks are obviously not in the same category as the Warriors, you have to give Rose credit for making such a bold statement. Who knows if he even believes what he’s saying or “hearing,” but the mere fact that he said this speaks volumes to the leader he wants to be for this team.

The Knicks have been stuck in mediocrity for far too long, and they need someone to try to wake them from their slumber. Time will tell if this will actually take place, but Rose setting the tone right away has to be a huge positive for his teammates.

As for Rose himself, in order for the Knicks to be seen as a juggernaut in a weak Eastern Conference, he must work on becoming a viable threat from the outside. For his career, he has shot just barely over 30 percent from the three-point line. In this era of basketball, it is all about spacing the floor with perimeter shooting.

To put it simply, no one fears Rose when he’s pulling from deep, unless of course he’s attempting ridiculous shots at the buzzer in important games, then that’s a different story:

One other thing Rose must work on is his passing. He averaged less than five assists per game last season, which is very poor for a starting point guard.

Every once in a while he still shows flashes of his old self in how he scores the ball, specifically how he explodes to the basket and finishes with his outstanding athleticism. But his shot selection still remains somewhat concerning, where he evidently sees no issue taking contested long-twos despite only possessing an average jump shot at best.

In terms of this season and beyond, Rose must concentrate on making his teammates around him better. This is something Russell Westbrook, a player who is very comparable to Rose, has really improved upon over the years.

The Knicks have a bluechip player in Kristaps Porzingis on their hands, and in order for him to reach his full potential, Rose must focus on getting him the ball as much as he possibly can. Just look at the excitement he injected into the Knicks last season:

So while it’s great that Rose comes out and says something like this, he must also be prepared to back it up. Despite his flaws, when he’s healthy, he’s still a very effective player.

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And while the Knicks will most certainly not be a “superteam” like the Warriors, this statement is a huge morale booster that will undoubtedly make the Knicks a better, more confident team going into this season.

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