NY Knicks: Who should be the starting point guard after the All-Star break?

NY Knicks: Should Derrick Rose continue to blossom with the starting five?

Following his tumultuous first tenure in New York, questions arose on whether the second time around would be different for Rose and the Knicks. So far, so good – he’s made the most of his second chance in The Mecca.

In his ten games with the team since being acquired from the Detroit Pistons, the former league MVP is averaging 12.5 points per game. His impact has been felt all throughout the team – whether it’s been his ability to put points on the board, or leading the team when things look bleak.

Rose did most of his damage off the bench but got the call to the starting line-up when Elfrid Payton went down with a hamstring injury. He immediately began to ingratiate himself with the team’s starters – his first start saw the team score a season-high 140 points.

Rose has been appreciative of the opportunity to return to not just New York, but his favorite head coach in Thibodeau. The coach has continually gotten the most out of the player since his early years playing in Chicago.

Thibodeau is happy as well – and Rose has taken note. He spoke about seeing his coach smiling more than ever before.

“Just being here, appreciating the situation, appreciating him a lot more, it’s a blessing to be here. But you could just tell that he’s just a totally different person now. He’s smiling,” said the point guard. “I’ve never seen him smile as much as he has right now. So it rubs off on me, feeling his energy.”

Is the 2nd unit a better fit for Rose and the NY Knicks?

Rose’s energy has been infectious – but his number one contribution may be how he’s helped the NY Knicks’ bench improve. The team’s second unit became one of the best in the conference with his addition.

So, while Rose has played well whether starting or coming off the bench – which one should he return to after the All-Star break? It’s a tough decision, but it seems like him leading the second unit with Immanuel Quickley is perfect for Thibodeau’s squad at the moment.

With one more point guard to go, find out who should be the Knicks starting point guard – Rose or Elfrid Payton – on the next slide.