The New York Knicks played without Derrick Rose Monday and were blown out by the Pelicans. Nobody knows why the point guard isn’t there.
- New Orleans Pelicans 110 (15-24)
- New York Knicks 96 (17-21)
- NBA, Final, Box Score
- Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
The New York Knicks have reached such a pathetic level that two of their best players didn’t even want to be at tonight’s game.
Carmelo Anthony took a more subtle approach. The supposed leader bailed when he was ejected after receiving two technical fouls for cursing out a referee with 2:34 remaining in the third quarter and his team down 82-63.
Derrick Rose was more direct. He didn’t even show up to the arena. In fact, the point guard wasn’t in contact with the team today at all.
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical began the speculation after Tweeting that many people with the Knicks knew why Rose wasn’t at the game.
Sources: There are team officials, teammates and close associates unclear of reason for Derrick Rose's absence for Knicks-Pelicans at MSG.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2017
Rumors started that the reasons behind Rose’s absence were his fourth-quarter benching Friday night in Milwaukee or an unfortunate family-related issue.
As you'd expect, sources say Rose was unhappy with fourth quarter benching on Friday in Milwaukee — but unclear if that's impacted absence.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2017
It is very possible Rose could have a legitimate reason for missing game — family-related or otherwise — but that's yet to be determined.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2017
Head coach Jeff Hornacek’s post-game comments made it appear that he knows the reason Rose wasn’t with the team tonight. But he’s decided to remain tight-lipped about the situation.
Barbara Barker of Newsday tweeted the coach’s comments (and no comments) on the Rose situation.
Hornacek: "Right now we don’t have information to give you anything. That’s just going to have to wait until we hear from Derrick himself."
— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) January 10, 2017
Hornacek would not comment on if they had reached Rose.
— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) January 10, 2017
"Everything will become clear later on. We want to respect what he's going through." #Knicks
— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) January 10, 2017
When asked if he was concerned with his safety, Hornacek said: "I can't comment on that."
— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) January 10, 2017
Brandon Jennings, who started in Rose’s place, said the team still hasn’t heard from the former MVP.
Brandon Jennings says team still hasn't heard from Rose. "I hope he's ok." #knicks
— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) January 10, 2017
Courtney Lee stated that Rose was with the team this morning.
Rose was at the team shoot around this morning according to Courtney lee. #knicks
— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) January 10, 2017
The situation is odd and a little scary. Hornacek’s comments indicate that he knows something, but wants to wait for the reasoning to come from Rose himself.
The Knicks were embarrassed on their home court tonight, but nobody was talking about the result.
We all just want to know where Derrick Rose is.
Update: Joakim Noah says his former teammate is okay.
Joakim Noah says he's spoken to Derrick Rose after the game and that Rose is OK.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 10, 2017
Good news.
No. 3 shooting ? #NYKvsNOP #Knicks pic.twitter.com/g9wvqhEq9L
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 10, 2017
NOP 110 NYK 96 F#NYKvsNOP pic.twitter.com/avhK4zdX5N
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 10, 2017
NOP 91 NYK 66 End of 3rd#NYKvsNOP pic.twitter.com/uKFRlNmgWl
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 10, 2017
NOP 60 NYK 51 Halftime@carmeloanthony: 15p@brandonjennings: 15p@JoakimNoah: 5r#NYKvsNOP pic.twitter.com/uxk8TdvBF1
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 10, 2017
First 12 minutes complete here @TheGarden. #NYKvsNOP pic.twitter.com/eTljMRBLae
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 10, 2017
#Knicks out with the early 12-5 lead. Watch on @MSGNetworks now! #NYKvsNOP pic.twitter.com/45Tl1xYyrG
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 10, 2017
#Knicks Starters
3️⃣ @brandonjennings
6️⃣ @kporzee
1️⃣3️⃣@JoakimNoah
5️⃣ @CourtneyLee2211
7️⃣@carmeloanthony #NYKvsNOP— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 10, 2017
