Why was Derrick Rose not playing? Looking at the reasons behind his absence as he checks back in for New York Knicks to a standing ovation
Derrick Rose has been a healthy scratch for the New York Knicks for quite some time already. Coach Tom Thibodeau, however, relented to the chants of the Madison Garden Crowd wanting to see the former MVP lace it up.
Rose took the floor to a standing ovation with 2:21 left in their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. The Knicks held an insurmountable 126-98 lead at that point. It marked just the 27th game in which he has suited up for his team this season.
Derrick Rose checks in the game after Knicks fans chant his name 🌹🙏 https://t.co/cJG65nK7dT
The 34-year-old Derrick Rose hasn't had the same kind of impact compared to his last few years with the New York Knicks. Thibodeau has been relying on Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride for playmaking, scoring and defense.
Rose has largely been relegated to the bench, offering veteran tutelage and support. He last saw action on Jan. 1 against the Houston Rockets. The former Rookie of the Year winner played 11 minutes in that game and finished with four points, a rebound and an assist.
Tom Thibodeau's trust in his young guard core has paid off very well. New York holds a 35-27 record, which is good for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. If they can hold on to this spot, they will have an outright playoff berth.
Even when he's on the bench, his impact has not gone unnoticed or under appreciated. Here's Julius Randle on what Derrick Rose has brought to the table for the team:
"I would argue that he's having just as much if not more of an impact vocally as a leader for us. He's constantly talking to me, giving me advice, so his impact is huge."
"I would argue that he's having just as much if not more of an impact vocally as a leader for us. He's constantly talking to me, giving me advice, so his impact is huge"
–– Julius Randle on Knicks teammate Derrick Rose
https://t.co/rX93ojNc66
Derrick Rose is unlikely to see more playing time down the stretch run, particularly if games are close. He is averaging 5.8 points in just 12.9 minutes, both the lowest in his stint with the Knicks.
Tom Thibodeau could still make use of Derrick Rose's veteran poise and leadership in the playoffs
Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride, the players ahead of Derrick Rose in the pecking order, have a combined zero playoff experience. Jalen Brunson has 25 postseason games, 18 of which came during the Dallas Mavericks' run to the Western Conference Finals last season.
Keeping Rose out of the wear and tear of the regular season could still benefit the New York Knicks in the long run. Tom Thibodueau may have argued upon himself to let the young guns soak in the minutes to give them more confidence and rhythm.
Both the coach and Rose know that anything can happen in the playoffs. It is in this setting that the veteran playmaker can show that he still has some juice left to make an impact.
Over the past two years, the New York Knicks bench has counted on the former All-Star to give them a lift. Although that hasn't been the case this season, he could offer somewhat the same impact if healthy and given the opportunity to shine.
When the New York Knicks made the playoffs two years ago, Derrick Rose averaged 19.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 35 minutes of action.
The point guard might still be able to give his team 25 minutes per night and around 10-15 points per game. Thibodeau is not past trying to see if Rose still has it.
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