Despite the enticing aspects of his game, Derrick Rose just isn’t worth the trouble or money for the New York Knicks.
The New York Knicks season has definitely not lived up to expectations.The Knicks sit 11 in the overall standings for the Eastern Conference, largely due to their offseason acquisitions not paying off. Their recent play proved that they are not a super team, much to the chagrin of Derrick Rose.
While Rose has played at an above average level, he is a shell of the player he once was. His numbers are decent, averaging 18 points per game and shooting 45 percent from the floor, but, unfortunately, comes with a fair share of baggage.
Rose has had a good amount of off-court drama. He was away from the team for a significant amount of time due to his alleged role in a rape case (exonerated). More recently, Rose suddenly left the Knicks and could not be found. Reports later surfaced that he was dealing with a family issue with his mother, but that does not excuse him from going AWOL.
Despite his issues, Rose has been the most prolific Knicks point guard since Linsanity was sweeping the nation. Every now and then, Rose produces a highlight reel worthy play that flashes back to his early days in the league. However, despite his incredible reverse layups and other extraordinary flashes, Rose is not the long-term answer.
Derrick Rose announced that he was seeking a five-year, $150 million max deal this upcoming summer. That is a smart business move on his part, announcing early that he wants and expects to get paid this summer. However, signing Rose to that contract is not a smart business move for any organization.
Rose has torn his ACL in his left knee and then his meniscus in his right knee (twice). Can management really count on him to continue playing even at the level he is playing at now? Rose will turn 29 before the 2017-18 season begins, which is old for a professional basketball player. Couple that with his off court drama and it is a questionable decision. Add in his severe, significant injury history and you have an impending disaster.
With the inevitable trade of Carmelo Anthony likely happening sooner than later, Rose will have to step up. Regardless of who the Knicks acquire in return for Melo, their so-called big three will be down to two. If Rose wants to stay with New York, he has less than three months to prove his worth.
There is no denying that Derrick Rose is a difference maker. He has persevered through some really serious injuries and continues to play at a high level on basketball’s biggest stage in The World’s Most Famous Arena.
However, his play does not hide his past. He has significant off-court baggage that cast a shadow over himself.
