In the wake of his return to the Knicks on Tuesday, Derrick Rose addressed his teammates and coaches, as well as GM Steve Mills and president Phil Jackson, and the point guard says that “everybody’s on the same page” (Twitter link via Ian Begley of ESPN.com). The Knicks do appear ready to move on, with head coach Jeff Hornacek telling reporters today that Rose will start tonight against Philadelphia, per Frank Isola of The New York Daily News (Twitter link).
Still, there should be lingering concern in New York about the situation. According to a report from Isola, during Rose’s absence, the former NBA MVP briefly “talked about walking away from basketball for an extended period of time to clear his mind.” Two independent sources who spoke to Isola described Rose as an emotional wreck on Monday afternoon.
Two days later, Rose claims he’s in a good place mentally and that he would have asked the Knicks for more time if he felt like he needed it (Twitter link via Isola). But the point guard’s future in New York – both in the short- and long-term – still appears very uncertain.
Here’s more on Rose and the Knicks:
- There’s probably no quick fix for the Knicks, who are currently 17-21 and 11th in the East, writes Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders. Kyler doesn’t expect any team to offer anything of real value in a trade for Rose, and hears from a source that Carmelo Anthony remains unwilling to approve a trade out of New York, in spite of the club’s recent slide. Joakim Noah also has little to no value as a trade piece, though Knicks sources tell Kyler that the former Bull has at least been a strong locker room influence so far.
- Within a piece about Rose’s future – or lack thereof – in New York, Ian Begley of ESPN.com reports that some Knicks players have privately expressed frustration with the team’s defensive schemes. Begley also confirms that some members of the Knicks organization were led to believe during Rose’s absence that the 28-year-old was considering a lengthy absence from basketball.
- According to Begley, some people close to Rose have told friends that the point guard will be looking for a maximum salary contract this summer. While that may be true, it’s hard to fathom Rose landing anything close to that at this point.
- Phil Jackson needs to start providing some answers regarding his struggling club, rather than silently watching as it burns to the ground, opines Kevin Kernan of The New York Post.
While we’re on the topic of seeking a max contract, I’d like to let it be known that I will be looking for a max contract next off-season as well. I figure at this point I have as good a shot as Rose to receive one, plus I’ll make sure not to up and leave without telling my teammates, coach, and organization.
Bro, crack kills…
You’ve earned a max contractJ2. At least you’re well spoken unlike mush mouth Rose who couldn’t spell dog if you spotted him the d and the g.
Thank you Strauss.
knicks should start doing what the Yankees did …sell at the deadline…Rose is not worth max$$$$…..see if anyone wants Noah or Lee…make sure to get future 1st rounders in any deal…. maybe bench Melo so he begs out of NYC!!!! only bright spot are the Euros and Jennings…they actually pass the ball.
At this point I’d move Rose, Noah and Lee for nothing? Just get rid of those contacts and reboot with a decent draft pick and some nice free agents.
If phil jackson would have let Hornacek coach the team, and didn’t let Galloway go for terrible Brandon jennings, as well as obviously making the terrible Noah signing, I think this would be a much better team…they need another guard or wing that can defend…for now, I’d use a rotation of Rose, Lee, Thomas, Melo, Porzingis. With Holiday, Noah, Jennings, Kuzmaniskas(spelling?) off the bench. O’Quinn or Hernangomez in certain matchups. Think that would give them some more balance, at least.
Not happening
In the last 4- 1/2 yrs. rose hasn’t been too consistent in games played. Personally I think he’s been overpaid for lack of games played. I part-time player. Let him go!