New York Knicks: Realistic Expectations For Derrick Rose In 2016-17

Defense

It’d be easy to say that Derrick Rose’s defense has declined because of his injuries, but it was never a strength to begin with. His effort fluctuated under Tom Thibodeau, of all coaches, which suggests it won’t be much better under Jeff Hornacek.

The reality is, even the injuries haven’t changed the fact that Rose has the physical gifts to make a consistent impact on defense.

Rose is a 6’3″ and 190-pound athlete with a 6’8″ wingspan—tremendous measurements for a point guard. He’s not as laterally quick as he used to be, but his height, strength, and length should suffice.

At the very least, a player with Rose’s length, strength, and size should be able to contain slashing point guards and contest jump shots.

Rose may not make an All-Defensive First or Second Team appearance in 2016-17, but the New York Knicks don’t need him to. Average defense would be a vast improvement over what New York received at point guard in 2016-17.

If Rose can play at a high enough level that he isn’t getting burnt on a consistent basis, then the Knicks can call it a successful defensive season.

Realistic Expectation: 1.0 SPG, 43.0 OPP FG%