The New York Knicks are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, as they are currently riding an eight-game winning streak. The team turned things around just over two weeks ago after another embarrassing loss at Madison Square Garden in a Saturday matinee against the Dallas Mavericks.
New York led by as many as 15 points in that game but ended up losing 121-100 as they trailed by as many as 32 points. It led to head coach Tom Thibodeau making some major changes to his rotation, as he cut it down to nine players.
One of the players who were removed from the rotation was veteran point guard Derrick Rose. He was joined on the bench by Cam Reddish, as defensive extraordinaire Deuce McBride took over a spot in the rotation.
It was a move that surprised some people, but anyone that was following the Knicks closely could foresee it occurring. Rose had seen his playing time cut back drastically this season as the Knicks refused to part with any of their young talents this offseason in trades and it was only a matter of time until they were given an opportunity to play.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Derrick Rose & New York Knicks Updates
That opportunity came the night after the Knicks lost to the Mavericks against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which kickstarted their winning streak. The only time that we saw Rose on the court since then was when New York paid a visit to the Chicago Bulls, where he made his first 3-point attempt of the game was showered with cheers and ovations.
Being out of the rotation isn’t an easy thing for any professional player. But, Rose is taking the role change in stride. He recently spoke about it, among other things, in an interview with Shams Charania of The Athletic.
“The team is keeping communications open with me: When they told me I don’t think that they want to move me like that, they know that I have a lot left, and they love my connection and relationship that I have with all of the players on the team,” Rose said. “I’m not in the locker room trying to f— up the vibe of the team by having a messed up attitude like that. I’ve had so many lives in the NBA that now I’m in the position where I can sit back, teach the young guys, and if Thibs needs me, I can catch a rhythm and play the way I want to.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Derrick Rose & New York Knicks Updates
As we’ve seen in the past, Rose could be needed again sometime soon by the Knicks. One injury to a member of the backcourt and his number could be called. As a consummate professional, Rose will always be ready for when that opportunity arises.
Rose has also been involved in some trade rumors as New York looks to consolidate their roster. Unless he requests a trade, it is hard to imagine them parting with a veteran that Thibodeau has so much trust in. Alas, there are plenty of contending teams that would love to have a player of Rose’s caliber added to their second unit.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Derrick Rose & New York Knicks Updates
Should the right kind of deal present itself, Leon Rose and the front office will think long and hard about pulling the trigger. Until then, Rose will continue doing his best as a mentor for the younger guys on the team, helping the Knicks win in any way that he can.
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