Derrick Rose is having a career resurgence with the New York Knicks so it’s no surprise he’s not a fan of the triangle offense returning.
New York Knicks point guard Derrick Rose is having an offensive resurgence in head coach Jeff Hornacek’s system. Well, he was anyway.
Since the Knicks have come back from the All-Star break, they’ve abandoned Hornacek’s pick and roll attack for Phil Jackson’s triangle offense. The former MVP was not enthusiastic about it.
When asked how he was embracing Jackson’s trademark system, Rose’s take to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News was jarring.
“S–t, do I have a choice? Do I have a choice?” the point guard responded. “I just want to win games. Winning takes care of every category for an athlete.”
The 28-year-old’s “Don’t F’ it up” philosophy when it comes to the triangle doesn’t inspire confidence, but you can’t blame him.
Rose was excelling in the pick and roll, despite the low assist total. According to NBA.com, the three-time All-Star is in the 74th percentile of points per possession as the ball handler on the pick and roll.
His field goal percentage (.463) is the highest it’s been since his second season, and his points per game (17.6) is back up after taking a significant dip last season.
Rose may be preparing that struggling three-point shot for the playoffs, but right now he needs to adjust to the triangle offense. It’s a nightmare for every point guard.