Did the NY Knicks already make their big splash with Derrick Rose?

The NY Knicks find themselves in a flexible spot ahead of the trade deadline. The team is in the middle of the playoff of the picture, currently sitting 5th in the Eastern Conference. In the coming weeks, they could decide to either make a big trade stand pat. The team has draft picks, cap space, and a winning roster – It’s a great spot to be in.

Head coach Tom Thibodeau has established an identity with this Knicks’ team composed of hard-nosed defense, winning battles in the trenches, and a slow, grind-it-out offense. While the Knicks have been successful in their approach this season, their lack of offense has cost them a few games, and the team decided to make a trade for a legendary scoring guard, Derrick Rose.

The trade for Rose came on February 7th, when the Knicks were 11-14 and 8th in the Eastern Conference. Rose instantly made an impact with his new team, and they’ve gone 7-4 since his arrival. Perhaps the Knicks’ ties to other players around the league are just smoke and mirrors?

There’s never a trade deadline where names aren’t popping up left and right – It’s just the nature of the league. The Knicks aren’t exactly aiming for an NBA championship this year, so making two trades where they give up future assets for established veterans would be a little unusual.

Derrick Rose and coach Thibodeau have a long history together – Rose’s transition into the Knicks’ lineup has been smooth. For the most part, Rose has given the NY Knicks what they’ve needed to at least compete for those 4-6 spots in the Eastern Conference. Let’s look at what Rose has brought to the Knicks and if his influence bodes well for the 2nd half of the season.