New York Knicks: Players Who Must Step Up Against Indiana Pacers

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December 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Derrick Rose

Position: Point Guard
Games Played: 23 of 27
2016-17 Slash Line: .456/.235/.838
2016-17 Season Averages: 31.0 MPG, 16.4 PPG, 4.4 APG, 4.0 RPG, 0.7 SPG

The New York Knicks have been suffering from the absence of starting point guard Derrick Rose. Whether or not you believe he can be a star again, Rose is still one of the best and most efficient slashers in the NBA.

Thankfully, Rose is confident that he’ll be able to return from recent back issues when New York hosts the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, December 20.

Derrick Rose says he plans to play tomorrow against Indiana. He's missed 3 of the last 4 games due to back spasms.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 19, 2016

If healthy and available, Rose will battle one of the more athletic point guards in the NBA: Jeff Teague. Teague isn’t exactly 2011 Rose explosive, but his end-to-end speed and agility when coming around the pick and roll can be matched by few.

One of the few players who can match and exceed it is Rose, which is why his presence has become so crucial to the Knicks’ success.

With or without Teague on the court, Rose adds the invaluable element of dribble penetration to New York’s offense. Brandon Jennings is more than capable of driving and finishing, but Rose’s power provides a different type of threat.

New York runs a far more fluent offensive attack when the potential for a slashing finish is present, which is why Phil Jackson traded for Rose in the first place.

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