New York Knicks: 3 Reasons Derrick Rose is a critical postseason X-Factor
By Allen Settle
Derrick Rose brings plenty of Experience to the New York Knicks
This will be critical for New York. Remember how we talked about the intensity of the playoffs? Not only does Rose represent one of the team’s best closing options, but he is also one of the very few players who have ever appeared in the postseason.
New York’s postseason experience is as follows: Nerlens Noel has appeared twice. Alec Burks has three appearances to his name. Reggie Bullock also adds in 27 playoff minutes in his career. Otherwise, veteran big Taj Gibson, a former teammate of Rose in Chicago, represents the only other experience.
Rose, on the other hand, should be quite comfortable at this stage. Over his illustrious career, the PG has recorded 46 playoff games, 1,784 minutes, and 1,044 points (for an average of 22.7 per game). He has Conference first-round game six times, the semifinals twice, and the Conference Finals once.
Additionally, Rose has considerable experience as a basketball player. Let’s not forget that we are discussing the 2011 NBA MVP. The youngest MVP in league history as a matter of fact. He is also a former #1 overall draft pick (2008), the Rookie of the Year (2009), and a three-time NBA All-Star. Rose is also a two-time Gold Medalist as a member of Team USA in the FIBA World Cup (2010, 2014).
While most of these accolades came before a series of major injuries that slowed what could have been a generational career, the veteran seems to have uncovered the key to a late-career resurgence. His body and level of athleticism may not be where it once was. However, it is clear that Rose has the skills and experience to be a major difference-maker.