The acquisition of Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose was the headline move of the off-season for the New York Knicks; however, it has also been one of the more questionable transactions this past summer.
With Rose’s injury history, people around the NBA believe that this move by the Knicks was a desperation move, and it was, but it was a risk worth taking. Rose is going into a contract year in which he needs to prove that he can remain healthy while producing at a high level, and the Knicks present the opportunity that he needs. The Knicks have been deprived of good, consistent point guard play for years. If all goes well he may be their guy long-term because of his potential fit. Rose should gel well with many on the Knicks roster, as his style of play complements their skill sets very nicely. He will also help unleash Kristaps Porzingis‘ potential.
Derrick Rose will Unleash Kristaps Porzingis’ Potential
Rose’s Current Status
Derrick Rose, when healthy, is one of the best point guards and players in the NBA – but that’s when healthy. Rose hasn’t played a full season since his 2010-11 MVP season, and it’s held him back; however, he’s on the right track. It may sound silly, but last season Rose was healthy for the majority of the year playing in 66 games, which is the most he’s played since 2011.
With the exception of the vision issue Rose dealt with at the beginning of the year, he was healthy for all of last year. Despite guard Jimmy Butler officially the taking keys to the offense from him last season, Rose played very well. He averaged just over 16 points per game and just under five assists per game. That was a considered an off year for him, but for the Knicks he’s just the player they need.
What Rose Brings to the Table
Derrick Rose is the attacking point guard that the Knicks have craved for the last decade. He is one of the most aggressive guards in the league, and despite the knee issues, he can still get above the rim; the quickness is still there too. Rose can go coast to coast, he can go isolation, and he can get to the rim.
The notion that Rose is done is foolish. Rose has plenty of greatness left in him, and he may have found just the place to rekindle that greatness in New York.
The Knicks roster is built to win now, and in a way, is built around Rose himself. Courtney Lee is the “three and D” shooting guard that can help hide Rose’s inconsistent shooting and mediocre defense. Joakim Noah, his former teammate with the Bulls, is a defensive demon who can go coast to coast, and is also a great passer; Rose benefited from his presence immensely. Rose is also playing with arguably the best player he’s ever played with in Carmelo Anthony. Anthony can score from anywhere on the court, can play in the post, he hits the boards, and grinds it out every single night on the court; it’ll be interesting to see how the two gel together. However, one thing is for sure: Rose and Kristaps Porzingis will thrive together.
Rose and Porzingis will Gel at First Sight
Knicks young forward Kristaps Porzingis is known for his upbeat, above the rim style of play. He can play out on the perimeter, can play in the paint, and is a run and gun player. Whether it’s in transition or a two on one fastbreak, Porzingis makes a living finishing off fast breaks.
His new teammate, Derrick Rose, plays the same way. Like Porzingis, Rose is a run and gun type of player. He’s not a half court player, which is what the Knicks were trying to make Porzingis last year. In the halfcourt system that is the triangle offense, Porzingis was trying to be made a player that he wasn’t.
While players such as Jose Calderon and Arron Afflalo are half court players, and were good fits in their system, the Knicks were holding back Porzingis’ potential by playing that style of offense. By playing in the upbeat, run and gun offense that is new head coach Jeff Hornacek’s system, Porzingis will be able to play his brand of basketball, alongside his new sidekick Derrick Rose.
The Big Two of Rose and Porzingis? Not Carmelo Anthony?
Carmelo Anthony is the face of this New York Knicks franchise, but that’s just for the moment. This season, Porzingis’ skill set will be on full display and not be held back.
With new head coach Jeff Hornacek, and explosive point guard Derrick Rose now apart of the program, Porzingis will be a more complete player. He will be able to get out and run in transition, or on turnovers, and Derrick Rose will help make him that great player he is working to become. Rose is the ideal point guard to play alongside a player like Porzingis. He likes to get out and run and is an aggressive playmaker, which are attributes that will make Porzingis a more well rounded player.
While Carmelo Anthony is the face of the franchise, this year may be the year where he takes a backseat. With Derrick Rose entering the arena and playing his brand of ball, along with Kristaps Porzingis, Anthony will have to adjust his game to fit their style of play.
Derrick Rose and Kristaps Porzingis will thrive together and help each other take their games to the next level.
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