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New York Knicks: Pros and cons of the Derrick Rose-Brandon Jennings backcourt

Chip Murphy
New York Knicks: Pros and cons of the Derrick Rose-Brandon Jennings backcourt
Nov 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) and guard Brandon Jennings (3) react to a call after Rose is charged with a foul during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Hornets win 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

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Pro: Ability To Pressure The Defense

Both Rose and Jennings put a lot of pressure on the defense with their penetration. Between the two of them, they have 278 drives to the basket, per NBA.com.

Rose has been aggressive with his shot at the rim while Jennings has looked to pass. The former MVP has averaged 5.9 FGA and scored 161 of his 340 total points (47.4%) on drives. Jennings scores mostly from the perimeter. Just 31% of his points have come on drives.

Per NBA.com, Jennings passes 40% of the time he attacks the rim. He hasn’t been nearly as effective as Rose, though.

While Jennings has been more controlled than Rose, only 58.7% of his drives have resulted in points. For Rose, it’s 79.3%.

What makes them so different is what makes them such a good pair. Rose as a pass-first point guard is unnatural. With Jennings on the court, he won’t need to be.

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Chip Murphy
Chip Murphy

I'm ESNY's Executive Editor for EliteSportsNY.com.
I cover the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
Email: chip.murphy@elitesportsny.com

Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.