New York Knicks: How Derrick Rose Will Help NY Contend

5. Changing The Triangle

The New York Knicks are running a modern adaptation of the Triangle Offense. The 3-point shot and the need to push the pace will give it a new look, and the original formation remains a solid foundation for when the Knicks need a quick bucket.

If you ask Derrick Rose, his mere presence can change the Triangle Offense as the most athletic point guard that the system has ever been run with. Per Lang Whitaker of NBA.com.

"This is the first time I think the Triangle will really ever have an athletic point guard in that position. So who knows? All I have to do is make sure my catch-and-shoot is pretty good with this team, and like I said, be prepared."

There’s enough truth in that statement to evaluate it.

The Triangle Offense has alienated some Knicks fans, but it may be the most successful system in NBA history. Having Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Scottie Pippen certainly helps, but Phil Jackson’s 11 rings speak for themselves.

For the critics: between Bryant, Jordan, O’Neal, and Pippen, there’s a combined one championship won without Jackson and the Triangle Offense.

Thus, the notion of a modernized Triangle Offense is one that Knicks fans should be excited about. An athletic point guard adds an entirely new element to a system that’s never truly embraced the need for a dynamic point guard until now.

The hope is that Hornacek, an All-Star combo guard during his playing days, can find the perfect balance with Rose running point.

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