New York Knicks: Derrick Rose And Brandon Jennings Sparking The Offense
Through the first 20 games of the season, Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings are sparking the New York Knicks’ offense. How are they doing it?
It’s been a long time since the New York Knicks had a productive player at the point guard position. The Knicks ended the 2015-16 season with many questions at the position. The only thing that was certain was the team had to upgrade the backcourt.
When the Knicks traded for Derrick Rose, there was uncertainty around the deal. Would Rose be able to stay healthy for the year and be a contributor to a potential playoff team? Or would the former MVP be knocked down with an injury?
So far, the former No.1 overall pick has remained healthy and has been a productive player in the Big Apple. While this is a relatively new team, Rose and his teammates have been working on developing a chemistry and camaraderie with the hopes of securing their first playoff berth since 2013.
Through the first quarter of the season, Rose has worked well alongside Jennings in spurts. Both work well on the offensive end and can help push the pace well, which is something the Knicks lacked last season.
Having two guards like Rose and Brandon Jennings makes it tough for opposing defenses to know what to expect.
After the Knicks held off the Sacramento Kings, Rose said he and Jennings are helping the team’s offense in versatile ways (h/t Rebecca Haarlow of the MSG Network).
"“It’s hard for the defense where me and Brandon [Jennings], we’re good off the ball, too. We get in the right spots. Brandon is a knockdown shooter and he’s good at creating and I’m good at creating and we’re just trying to make plays for other guys on the floor. We have K.P. on the floor sometimes with us and Melo at the same time and guys don’t want to leave those guys whenever we drive by them. So it’s our job to attack and make them make a decision. It’s like pick your poison.”"
Rose has shown he can have his nights where he goes off.
Over the past two games, he’s shot 18-of-29 from the field. Not only is he seeing his shot come through, but he’s showcasing his ability to get to the rim with his dazzling moves.
When it comes to his shots, Rose believes it’s all about two things: rhythm and timing.
"“Just taking the shots I normally take. The ones I shot earlier, they were missing, but it’s all about rhythm and timing. Once again, I feel like my rhythm is starting to come.”"
After the Knicks’ slow start, the team is 7-3 in their last 10 games. Even with that, including a three-game winning streak, Rose believes New York is far away from their goals.
"“We’re still so far away from that. We’re improving, yes, but like I said with the goals that we have, we’re far away from that.”"
If Rose and Jennings can keep distributing the ball and igniting the team’s offense, the Knicks’ offense can be scary. That’s similar to what Courtney Lee said back in September.
New York currently ranks No. 9 in the NBA in assists per game (22.6) and points per game (105.6).
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Along with that, the Knicks are No. 13 in the Association in offensive rating (104.4).
By having Derrick Rose and Brandon Jennings, along with Kristaps Porzingis and Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks have the potential to be a Top 10 offensive team in the league.