New York Knicks: 3 Reasons Derrick Rose is a critical postseason X-Factor
By Allen Settle
Don’t look now, but the upstart New York Knicks have a 98.4 percent chance at making the NBA playoffs this season. Let me repeat that with some emphasis: the New York Knicks have a 98.4 PERCENT CHANCE TO MAKE THE NBA PLAYOFFS!
The 2021 version of the Knicks has been one of the most surprising and exciting teams in the history of the illustrious franchise. The same team that was projected to finish with 21 wins and the third-worst record in the east, now find themselves with a 37-30 record.
By the time you read this article, the team may very well have punched their ticket to the postseason. They may have even locked up home court in the first round.
As the franchise prepares for a playoff run, they will be relying heavily on several key players. However, one star expects to be a massive weapon as the season draws to a close. In fact, this one-man may be their most important postseason contributor. This player is veteran Derrick Rose.
How is it that Rose gives the team more of an edge than All-Star Julius Randle or Coach of the Year candidate Tom Thibodeau? Simple, he has a proven track record as a closer on the biggest stages. While the other two aforenoted pieces are certainly important, neither had the experience that Rose boasts. In fact, no other player on the roster can match his resume. Few in the entire NBA can.