Derrick Rose, PG
Chicago’s own Derrick Rose reached individual heights in this city the likes of which hadn’t been seen since Michael Jordan and hasn’t sniffed since. It’s been a long journey for Rose. One that included becoming the youngest MVP in league history but also several devastating knee injuries and stints with multiple teams (including a two-day term with Utah).
But with the New York Knicks, though, Rose has been reinvigorated. He did the right thing by requesting a trade out of Detroit and did even better by choosing the Knicks and, more specifically, Tom Thibodeau.
The former Bulls coach (which kind of makes this a two-for) and Rose share a special connection as reflected by their winning percentages when they are apart as opposed to on the same side. But it goes much deeper than just picking a city and coach that you like. Rose has been putting in work for the Knicks, who are set to make the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
He’s averaging 14.3 points and 4.0 assists in 30 games with the Knicks. What’s more, he’s shooting 48 percent from the floor and (what would be a career-high) 41 percent from outside.
During this most recent run for New York where they’ve gone 14-2, Rose has averaged 17.1 points with a .547/.417/.906 slash line. He’s had several 20-plus-point outings as well, including back-to-back games against the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets.
It’s been three years since Rose has been to the postseason himself, so who knows what to expect from him and Thibs (and Taj Gibson). But be sure Rose’s Knicks will play hard.