New York Knicks: Cleveland Loss Proves Derrick Rose Is The X-Factor

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Nov 25, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) drives to the net during the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Transition Offense

The New York Knicks did an atrocious job of getting out in transition for quick and efficient buckets in 2015-16. Jeff Hornacek is pushing the pace in 2016-17, and Brandon Jennings undoubtedly helps, but it’s Rose who’s the key to getting that extra boost.

After all of the injuries he’s endured and overcome, Rose is still a one-man fast break who simply cannot be stopped when he gains a full head of steam.

The Knicks are currently No. 25 in the NBA with an average of just 10.0 fast break points per game. That makes Rose’s uncanny ability to pick up the speed and go from coast-to-coast all the more important to team success.

Rose may not do that as consistently as a Russell Westbrook or a John Wall, but he tends to pull out that impressive trick when the Knicks’ offense goes cold.

When Rose picks up the pace, opposing defenses focuses entirely on him. He can still beat a vast majority of NBA players in a foot race and has the power and finishing ability to complement that speed.

Rose’s ability to be a one-man fast break is nothing short of invaluable to a Knicks team that otherwise struggles to get out in front of the defense.

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