Derrick Rose hasn’t played in a game for the New York Knicks since a one rebound, one assist performance on Dec. 16 in Houston. Six days later, the 33-year-old guard underwent ankle surgery to remove a bone spur and was expected to be out for at least two months.
On Feb. 25, he underwent yet another procedure but this time it was a “minor” one to address a skin infection from his previous surgery. On the same day, Tom Thibodeau said that Rose would be re-evaluated in seven to ten days.
Today, Mar. 4, marks exactly seven days. Rose didn’t travel with New York when it kicked off its six-game road trip with a visit to Philadelphia on Wednesday. However, the Knicks will face the Suns tonight in Phoenix and Rose is there with the team.
Although the season has derailed, New York fans have at least been able to enjoy RJ Barrett’s recent success. Rose added to that joy on Thursday when he posted a video to his Instagram account.
Strong message from Derrick Rose, who underwent procedure last week to address skin infection in surgically repaired ankle: pic.twitter.com/rqeHZ4HewS
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 3, 2022
Knicks’ Derrick Rose hints at return to the court in Instagram video.
New York hasn’t released an official update on Rose but his words are a pretty good indication of his current status. In the video, he said:
"“The goal is to come back stronger, come back with more knowledge, more discipline, more determination, more willpower,’’ Rose said in the video, which appears to be filmed inside a moving vehicle. “Everything. Because motherf–ker’s think it’s sweet. ‘Ah man you’re having surgery again. You probably think about calling it a wrap.’ Ha ha, jokes on you.”"
After Friday morning’s shootaround, Thibodeau spoke with the media about Rose and give a brief update.
Derrick Rose was at Knicks shootaround this morning in Phoenix, but he isn’t doing any basketball activities. Can do form shooting without jumping and that’s it, Thibodeau said. "Hopefully, in a week or so that’ll be cleared up,” Thibodeau said.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) March 4, 2022
Over the past two seasons, he’s played in a total of 61 games for the Knicks. Rose’s career has been plagued with injuries and although his health is a concern, he’s New York’s best point guard option.
This season, Rose’s averaging 12 points and four assists per game. He’s shooting 44.5% from the floor and 40.2% from the 3-point line. His performance has been one of the few high points of the year.
Kemba Walker is out for the year and there’s rookie Miles McBride but we all know that Thibodeau isn’t willing to give him a chance.
Alec Burks needs relief and according to Rose/Thibodeau, it could be on the way soon. One thing’s for sure, the youngest MVP winner in the history of the NBA isn’t considering retirement (yet).
The Knicks won’t be making the playoffs for the second consecutive season but at least fans will possibly get to enjoy watching Rose play again before the end of the year.
Or that is unless his looming return isn’t a good thing. As mentioned, Rose does have an extensive injury history and he still has two more years on his contract.
It seems like Thibodeau believes that the guard will save the Knicks’ season but that won’t be the case. At least it’ll mean less of Burks, right?
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