New York Knicks: 3 things that Derrick Rose brings to the Big Apple

By Dalton Sell | Feb 9, 2021

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 13: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons moves the ball up court in front of Dennis Smith Jr. #4 of the New York Knicks in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on December 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. 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. Detroit defeated New York 99-91. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

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New York Knicks, Derrick Rose (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Second thing Derrick Rose trade brings to the New York Knicks – Production on the offensive end

With Tom Thibodeau running the show as the head coach, the New York Knicks have looked rejuvenated as a basketball team. Currently sitting in the Eastern Conference’s 9th seed with an 11-14 record, the Knicks are all-in on making a push for the postseason, and bringing in Derrick Rose only furthers the internal belief that they can make it there.

Throughout the previous two seasons, Rose has been regarded as one of the more productive sixth men in the entire league. Starting in just 28 of his 101 appearances in that span, the guard averaged 18 points on a .486/.338/.863 slash line, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. With numbers like that, contending teams were in hot pursuit of Rose at last year’s trade deadline, but the Pistons ultimately decided to hang onto him.

Although his numbers dropped off slightly this year, there were still several contenders monitoring Rose’s situation. Yahoo! Sports’ Vince Goodwill reported Sunday that the Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, LA Clippers, and Miami Heat were also chasing Rose before getting traded to the Knicks. The former league MVP will not be the needle tipping addition that guarantees New York a surefire spot in the postseason, but he was in high demand for a reason.

The Knicks need the boost offensively, as their numbers on that end of the floor are less than ideal. With a 105 offensive rating (t-24th) leading to just 102.7 points (30th) and 21 assists per game (29th), New York needs some help offensively. Rose is certainly someone who can help this team on the court by scoring and facilitating at a high-level, making this fit more understandable to an extent.

However, it will depend on how they plan to mix him into the rotation.

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