New York Knicks: Offseason Fact Or Fib

There are several questions surrounding the New York Knicks following the moves the team made this offseason. Those questions are answered in Fact or Fib.

The offseason is almost in the rear view mirror for the New York Knicks. The team made a few interesting splashes during free agency.

Key additions Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, along with the returning players, give the Knicks hope next season.

Derrick Rose has had health issues ever since the 2011-12 season. On the contrary, he has played more games on a year-by-year basis since than. So is it realistic to think the former MVP could play 70 games next season?

With the recent additions, are the Knicks bound to make the playoffs next season? Could the team even crack the Top 4 in the Eastern Conference?

Not only are these recent moves intriguing, but it surrounds the Knicks with many unanswered questions. It’s time to determine if those questions are a fact or a fib.

The Knicks will make the playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference – Fib

It’s hard to doubt that the Cleveland Cavaliers will take the No.1 spot in the Eastern Conference. The Indiana Pacers have greatly improved and could have the chance to crack the Top 4 as well. The Toronto Raptors finished in the Top 4 in the Eastern Conference the past three years and will most likely finish in the Top 4 again.

That is where the playoff door opens.

A team like the Boston Celtics has a better opportunity to secure the fourth seed than the Knicks. The Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons could also be competing for the fifth seed.

Some believe, if healthy, the Knicks can be a Top 4 team in the Eastern Conference. Keyword: if healthy.Health is a priority for every team, but three of the Knicks’ new players have injury questions surrounding them (Rose, Noah and Brandon Jennings).

Is it possible that the Knicks squeeze into the Top 4? Yes, but it’s hard to envision that based off the injury history of several of their players.

On a positive note, New York has a good chance to make the playoffs—but the No. 6 or No. 6 seed is more realistic. Last season, the seventh seed won 45 games. A 13-win increase from the 2015-16 season would be great for the Knicks, which would make their first playoff appearance since 2012-13 season.

Making the playoffs is a positive, but that cannot be the end goal for this team.

Derrick Rose will play 70 games. – Fib

While Derrick Rose has been hampered by injuries since 2011-12, he has seen more game action on a year-to-year basis over the past three seasons. While he did play in 66 games last season, and closed out the season on a positive note, 70 games could be a stretch.

ESPN’s Ian Begley touched on that possibility during a recent appearance on 98.7 ESPN New York’s Hahn And Humpty:

"“If the Knicks can get 70 games out of him — they get a healthy and productive 70 games out of him — that’s a positive,”“I don’t think anyone is looking for Rose to put up those MVP type numbers that he put up in 2011, but if he can effectively run this offense, knock down open shots, and get to the basket; something the Knicks were lacking from the point guard position last year. I think New York will take that. Injuries are always a concern with Rose, but Jeff Hornacek has said the club is going to monitor Rose’s health carefully and will certainly rest him when need be.”"

One of the main things Begley stated was the team will monitor Rose’s health. If the Knicks can make the playoffs, which many predict they will, the team will need Rose to be healthy.

If that means playing the Chicago native less than 70 games to ensure he’s ready for a potential playoff run, then it would be wise for the Knicks not to play him in 70 or more games.

Would it be a positive like Ian Begley said? Of course, but New York would rather have a productive Rose in the 2017 playoffs.

Derrick Rose was the biggest offseason move the Knicks made this offseason – Fact

At the time being, this is a fact. New York gave up Jose Calderon, Robin Lopez
and Jerian Grant in return for Rose and Justin Holiday. On the Knicks’ side, it sounds it was a trade worth making.

There is a chance Rose has a productive year and helps lead the Knicks towards a playoff run.

If that happens, then New York will be in a difficult situation. Should New York offer an extension to the 2011 MVP or let him walk? That’s a different conversation for a different day.

It’s already known that Derrick Rose is an upgrade over the point guards the Knicks trotted out last season. In 2015-16, the Knicks totaled 15.5 drives to the basket per game, which was last in the league.

On the other hand, Rose averaged 8.9 drives to the basket per game, which was higher than Kemba Walker and Kyrie Irving.

One thing New York will benefit from is that Rose is an athletic point guard who has the chance to work well in this offense. In an interview with NBA.com’s Lang Whitaker, the seven-year veteran talked about working in more pick and roll situations next season.

"“I talked to Coach Horn, and he was saying with the Triangle he would have to vary the Triangle to have a lot of pick and rolls in there at the top of the key or on the side,” Rose said in . “So it’s really whatever they decide to do, and I have to find my way around it. 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.”"

The 6’3″ guard should be able to work well in the pick and rolls, along with some pick and pop situations with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis.

must read: Five reasons the New York Knicks will make the playoffs

If Rose has success next season, he will see numerous teams offer him a multi-year contract next offseason.