Knicks: One Key Area In Which Every Starter Must Improve

Derrick Rose: Facilitating

Position: Point Guard
Age: 27 (10/4/1988)
2015-16 Slash Line: .427/.293/.793
2015-16 Season Averages: 31.8 MPG, 16.4 PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.4 RPG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 3PM

No team has improved more at a position than the New York Knicks have at point guard. Though Jose Calderon is still an efficient 3-point shooter and respected leader, he failed to provide much of a positive impact on the court.

Though the injury concerns are legitimate, the Knicks have found a high-caliber point guard in Derrick Rose.

In order for Rose to make the most of his opportunity for redemption, he must become a more consistent facilitator. Jeff Hornacek places a heavy emphasis on that play and Rose hasn’t produced in the way he needs to.

Rose was No. 14 in the NBA in points off of the pick and roll per game, but was No. 29 amongst guards in assists off of drives per game.

It wasn’t a matter of Rose’s teammates failing to come through; he passed out of just 23.3 percent of his drives. By comparison, Russell Westbrook checked in at 31.5 percent and Chris Paul registered a mark of 40.4 percent.

Rose needs to be a more willing passer on the drive if Hornacek’s system is going to yield ideal results—and please limit the jump passes.

Next: Shooting Guard