Derrick Rose isn’t upset about losing his rotation spot with the Knicks and is content to serve whatever role coach Tom Thibodeau asks of him, he told Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Rose has only played a total of 17 minutes this month, as Thibodeau has chosen to play younger guards. Rose feels the situation could change down the road and he’s fine with mentoring his teammates as New York pushes for a postseason berth.
“For one, I’m very appreciative to understand my role. I’m not here for entitlement, I’m not here feeling like I need minutes or anything like that,” Rose said. “I’m just here to win and try to help the young guys out. I never thought I’d be in this position. I never thought I’d be playing this many years. I’m waiting for my chance, for sure, but I can’t complain. Being in this position. I’m taking advantage of it. I’m looking at it where I’m saving my body, and you never know in the playoffs when I could be used.”
Rose addressed a number of other topics during his interview with Charania:
- He feels appreciated by coaches and teammates and maintains a positive outlook: “I’m not in the locker room trying to (screw) up the vibe of the team by having a messed up attitude like that.”
- He’s giving all the guidance he can to starter Jalen Brunson: “He listens, so that’s half the battle when you’re dealing with someone like that. He’s a hell of a player, a winner too. He won in college, won in high school, and he’s trying to win on the next level now. So it’s up to me to guide him, and not be forceful, but try to give him as much info, knowledge and wisdom as I can.”
- He maintains a strong relationship with Thibodeau and remains prepared to contribute if he regains a rotation spot: “Thibs (and I) always talk about it — he always says this is the bottom of the mountain, we got a whole mountain to climb. I just got to make sure that I’m always prepared. That’s the biggest challenge. Being in the new position, being in a new situation every year, this year is the first time I went through this. So learning, adjusting, trying to keep my body ready if you do need me, all that is going to take time. But it should be good.”
- He isn’t sure about coaching after his playing career, but he’d like to own a piece of a franchise: “I’m into ownership. I feel like I saved up enough. It’s not like I need a loan, I’m good. So I’m waiting. I’m waiting for my time.”
This story (different variations of it) has been posted almost twice a week since Thibs shortened the bench. Not sure why it continues to be a story when Rose has said the same thing everytime he’s asked the question. Just let the guy be and enjoy the Knicks recent run of success.
was going to say they same thing. it’s almost like theyre trying to force a narrative
Cause there’s a lot of rumors about a trade. And in the end he will be traded. Best for him and Knicks. Rose is a class act.
The rumors are being conjured because he moved out of the rotation, not because he asked or even mentioned anything about a trade. Like chiefivey mentioned above, a narrative is being forced here.
First off you don’t know that. Rumors means plenty of credible people think this will happen. It’s certainly a possibility since he’s an expiring contract.
And Thibs will always look out for Rose. Just like NY would want it. Rose will go where he wants to. Or a place he agrees to.
Our young guards. Are learning plenty from a future HFer. Plus a guy who’s been thru some real hardship in his career. And has come back well, even better. Knicks will take care of Rose.
For some guys it becomes an ego vs money situation. Iverson could not handle the bench. Vince Carter was cool with it.
The NBA paycheck is nice. He can ride this out for a while if he wants to.
Send D-Rose to the Lakers (he lives out there), or for a farewell tour with the Bulls (fans still chant MVP every time he is in the building). He will get minutes in either situation, and will be a major positive in the locker room.
Dallas needs scoring …