Including Wednesday night’s matchup in Charlotte, the New York Knicks have 10 regular-season games left to play in 2021-22. There hasn’t been much for fans to look forward to recently and although the year is winding to a close, the latest Derrick Rose injury update is a good sign.
Last August, Rose re-signed with the Knicks on a three-year, $43 million contract. It’s been a little over a year since he was traded from Detroit to New York ahead of the 2021 deadline.
Rose averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 26.8 minutes in the 35 games that he played in with the Knicks last season. This year, his time was cut short after he injured his ankle in a game against the Rockets on Dec. 16. He underwent surgery less than a week later.
The 33-year-old was expected to be out for eight weeks, but he underwent a second procedure at the end of February to address a skin infection.
While it looked like there was a chance that Rose would be back on the court for the Knicks this season, it’s become clear that he won’t be. However, he’s been working out on the court before games.
Derrick Rose hasn’t yet been cleared to practice - or take contact - by the NYK medical team. But he continues to work out before games. Here’s a short clip of Rose before tonight’s game vs. ATL: pic.twitter.com/DottxTUF5F
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 22, 2022
Derrick Rose hasn’t been cleared to practice with the New York Knicks.
As Ian Begley mentioned, the veteran guard still hasn’t been cleared to practice or take contact, but it’s a good sign that he’s been getting up shots pregame.
While Rose wasn’t able to save New York’s season (the team’s 18-26 since he got hurt), him taking the time to properly rehab his ankle is crucial. His 13-year-career has been hindered by injuries.
He began to turn a corner during his current stint with the Knicks before getting injured. Rose assumed the role as the team’s starting point guard, and since he got hurt, New York hasn’t been able to find a decent player to take his place (sorry, Alec Burks).
If the Knicks don’t draft a point guard, land one via free agency, or trade for one during the offseason, Rose’s health is going to be crucial moving forward.
Hopefully, Rose won’t have to worry about starting next year and will get to come off the bench.
It’s past time for New York to land its point guard of the future, and while Rose isn’t that player, he’ll still be a vital part of the team. That is if he isn’t traded this summer. There’s the chance that the Knicks could include him in a deal for a point guard, but I hope that the front office stays away from this possible disastrous trade.
Nonetheless, Rose still has value and regardless of if he’s still with New York next season or not, he’ll be a solid role player.
3 Knicks players who should get more minutes to close out 2021-22
Now that the New York Knicks can no longer make it to the play-in tournament, here are 3 players who need to receive more playing time.