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

Can the NY Knicks and Rose stay afloat in the East?

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the NY Knicks are a strong team that has completely exceeded their preseason expectations. This team has looked competitive all year, and they’ve come with some big wins at key points in the season. That being said, they’ve certainly beaten up on some weaker competition lately.

Let’s just be brutally honest about the Knicks’ recent opponents – The team’s last 5 wins came against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a nosediving Kings team, a Pacers team that was missing Malcolm Brogdon, The Detroit Pistons, and The Detroit Pistons without their best player, Jerami Grant. These are still NBA teams, and no matter who your opponent is, you still have to go out and get the win – The Knicks did exactly that, but it’s about to get a lot tougher.

In the month of March alone the Knicks will have to play the #1 team in the East, the Philadelphia 76ers, twice. They’ll play the #2 Brooklyn Nets once, and the #3 Milwaukee Bucks twice. These are going to be huge tests for the NY Knicks in what could turn out to be a first-round playoff matchup down the line.

For the NY Knicks, the criticism all-season long has been about the offense. The Knicks’ defense has been magnificent and is consistently in the top-3 in defensive rating, but their offense is still just 23rd in offensive rating.

Derrick Rose has certainly had a positive impact on the offense and the team overall. There was no world where he was going to simply flip this team into an offensive juggernaut – Really, is there any player that would “Transform” the offense that wouldn’t demand a Kings’ ransom in a trade?

Derrick Rose has proved to be a dynamic guard who has not only stood out in the box score but has provided mentorship for the Knicks’ younger players. He’s a leader on this team, and Knicks fans can’t be too disappointed if he ends up being the only midseason in 2021.