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Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros And Cons Of Swapping Derrick Rose For Ricky Rubio

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) dribbles past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (25) dribbles past Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) battles for the ball with Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Hawks 92-84. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) battles for the ball with Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Hawks 92-84. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Pro: Defense

The New York Knicks are one of the most atrocious defensive teams in the NBA. It ranks No. 25 in the Association in points allowed per 100 possessions with an average of 108.9—2.2 points worse than any Eastern Conference team that’s currently on pace to make the playoffs.

Though Derrick Rose isn’t the exclusive reason for the Knicks’ defensive woes, replacing him with Ricky Rubio would help facilitate a turnaround.

New York has a team-worst defensive rating of 111.7 points allowed per 100 possessions with Rose on the court. In contrast, it’s allowing just 104.8 points per 100 possessions when Rose comes off the court.

Thus, while Rose may have his strengths, defense is a glaring weakness that has severely damage the Knicks’ postseason odds in 2016-17.

As for Rubio, he’s regarded as one of the best defensive players at his position. He finished in the Top 2 amongst point guards in Defensive Real Plus-Minus in every season between 2013-14 and 2015-16, and is still Top 10 in 2016-17 despite the tumultuous nature of his current situation.

Rubio has elite size, active hands, and a proven track record of defending with tenacity—traits that New York desperately needs at his position.

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