NY Knicks: Analyzing the preseason studs and duds

NY Knicks Preseason Stud #2 – Derrick Rose

Any notion that Rose’s playoff success last season was an anomaly can be quickly dismissed as Rose picked up exactly where he left off last year.

Over four games, Rose poured in 16.2 points and 5.5 assists per game, shooting 50% from the field and a ridiculous 57% from three.

Again, preseason is a small sample size so the numbers can look a bit skewed. However, it must be noted how effortlessly Rose facilitated the offense, passing for 22 assists to go along with just 4 turnovers.

Not only did he run the point with ease, but Rose was constantly able to get into the lane and create his own shot or draw a foul and go to the line.

That was especially apparent in the NY Knicks fourth and final preseason game, where he contributed 28 points and 6 assists off the bench, leading the team to a comeback win after being down by double digits practically the entire game.

Rose’s preseason performance has been so good some fans are wondering whether he should be considered for the starting point guard job over Kemba Walker.

He certainly outplayed Kemba during the preseason, but unless Rose continues to outperform Walker during the regular season, he will likely remain with the second unit.

With Rose entering his thirteenth season, many have wondered if the slew of injuries Rose endured over the course of his career would catch up to him.

That does not appear to be the case. Rose looked healthy and aggressive, primed for another strong season after being the lone bright spot in last year’s playoff series against the Hawks.