NY Knicks: Examining How Derrick Rose’s Return Will Provide a Spark

NY Knicks: Derrick Rose’s potential starting spot

As is the case with most midseason additions, head coach Tom Thibodeau gradually eased Rose into the rotation. He averaged 20.9 minutes in his first three games, 21.5 minutes over his next four games, then recorded a hefty 32.5-minute average over his final three contests.

Those last three games were all starts, as Rose stepped up once Elfrid Payton went down with a hamstring injury.

Rose took the starting job and ran with it, averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 assists per game on 53% shooting throughout his final trio of appearances. The Knicks also went 3-0 in that span, winning each game by an average of 13.7 points.

Rose possesses a similar ability to get into the paint that Payton does, but the former MVP still has incredible touch around the rim and is a much better finisher. Rose’s speed gives the NY Knicks an element of offense in their backcourt that they had been missing prior to his arrival.

Payton’s assist numbers have also dropped this year, averaging just 4.7 assists per 36 minutes. Despite his unheralded nature as a passer, Rose is averaging a much better 7.2 assists per 36 minutes and he helps get the offense going no matter who he’s playing with. He’s looked incredibly comfortable with the NY Knicks.

Thibodeau could look back on the team’s success with Rose as a starter and gradually ease him back into that role when he returns from his extended absence.