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New York Knicks: Derrick Rose Has Plenty Left In The Tank

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) scores as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) defends during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) scores as Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) defends during the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs won 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribbles the ball as Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) defends during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribbles the ball as Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) defends during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Borderline Elite Slasher

The most common misconception about Derrick Rose is that he’s no longer capable of getting to the basket. The reality is that Rose isn’t just driving the lane on a relatively consistent basis; he’s doing so with both volume and efficiency.

The good news for the New York Knicks is that, if Rose manages to remain healthy, he’d address the No. 1 flaw that plagued the 2015-16 roster.

Rose finished the 2015-16 NBA regular season at No. 14 in the NBA in drives per game. He was also No. 9 in the Association in points via drives per game and was one of just five players in the Top 10 who shot better than 50 percent on drives.

In other words, Rose may not be the flashy dunk artist that he used to be, but he’s still one of the best slashers in the NBA—both in volume and efficiency.

By comparison, the Knicks ranked dead last in the NBA in drives per game with 15.5 in 2015-16—4.4 fewer than the No. 29 team. New York was also dead last in points via drives per game at 10.4—3.3 fewer than the No. 29 team.

For a team that couldn’t get to the basket with any form of consistency, Rose is a perfect addition.

Next: The Numbers Game

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