New York Knicks News Mix, 4/24/17: Derrick Rose Takes in Playoffs, KP Update
Apr 23, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Former Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose attends the game during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Rose spent the weekend checking out playoff basketball. He wants to return to the New York Knicks, but he also wants to win.

Derrick Rose‘s Bulls teams were in the playoffs for the first seven seasons of his career. Right up until last season, his last in Chicago. The former MVP showed he still isn’t used to being done this early in the season by taking his son to a couple of games over the weekend.

On Saturday night it was the San Antonio Spurs against the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. That was just the opening act for his main event on Sunday night.

Rose returned to Chicago where he and his four-year-old son checked out the Bulls games against the Boston Celtics. According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the 28-year-old is feeling positive about his rehab following arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

“I’m going into it with an open mind and will listen to everyone,” Rose told the Chicago Tribune. “Last season sucked losing. But it was a great experience. I loved the guys that I played with and I loved the coaching staff. And who wouldn’t like playing in New York? It was great.”

When Rose appeared on the scoreboard at the United Center, he received a huge standing ovation.

Per Berman, these were Rose’s first comments since being diagnosed with the injury April 2.

The veteran point guard claimed he was at the game to show his son, P.J., playoff basketball.

“If I was by myself, it might be a little bit weird. But I’m with him,” Rose said. “He makes it a lot easier. I look at it all that happened in the past. The memories will always be there. My heart is still here when I visit. I just love basketball, so I had to watch.”

Rose averaged 18.0 points and 4.4 assists on a .471/.217/.874 slash line.


Kristaps Porzingis did an interview in Latvian magazine Sporta Avize about Phil Jackson and the unicorn’s future in New York.

Despite being upset enough to blow off his exit meeting with Jackson, Porzingis remained steadfast in his commitment to remaining a Knick.

“Absolutely, I want to stay here all my career,’’ Porzingis said, according to the English translation provided by the magazine. “But the thing I want most of all is winning. When the time comes, I will seriously start to think about it. Right now I just try to do my best.”

The sophomore star said that although Phil made some mistakes, the media escalated the situation.

“This was a situation media did not hesitate to heat up more than it was in reality. I think there was some mistakes from Phil — things he maybe shouldn’t [have] said or written, things that made the situation worse or made him not look good. But at the same time — it’s that kind of business. I understand.’’

The 21-year-old announced at his press conference on Monday that he will play for the Latvian national team at EuroBasket 2017.

Considering Porzingis’ injury problems this season, the Knicks probably would’ve been more comfortable had the youngster chosen to skip the tournament.

However, with the situation like it is between the two sides they don’t want to step in and tell him what to do.