Although the New York Knicks were labeled as nothing more than a play-in team entering the 2022-23 season, it was still disappointing to see the team’s season end in the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the No. 8 seed.
Still, Knicks fans should feel hopeful about the future. For starters, Jalen Brunson was stellar in the regular season and the playoffs. He’s the best player that Knicks fans have gotten to see suit up in a New York uniform in a long time. At 26 years old, Brunson should remain in NYC for many years.
However, there are other players that should’ve already played their final game in a Knicks uniform. The offseason will reveal what the front office’s intentions are, but at least two of these players should be on a new team next season. The majority of the fanbase would like to see the third on a new team, too.
3 Knicks that definitely shouldn’t be back for 2023-24 season
3: Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose entered the 2022-23 season fully healthy, but he played in only 27 games and averaged 12.5 minutes. He was instrumental to New York’s playoff run two seasons ago, but with Jalen Brunson taking over at point guard and Immanuel Quickley having a breakout season, Rose was booted out of the rotation.
The 34-year-old was linked to a few contenders leading up to the trade deadline, but he remained in New York. There were then questions about whether or not the Knicks would buy him out, but Rose made it clear that he was happy with his current role.
Fans were thrilled that he hung around in New York. During Game 3 of the team’s first-round series against Cleveland, fans at MSG applied pressure on Tom Thibodeau by chanting Rose’s name. Rose checked into the game as the crowd roared and the Knicks went on to secure the 99-79 victory.
Rose has a $15.6 million club option for 2023-24 and although he’s beloved by the organization, it’d be hard to see New York picking it up. The Knicks are closer to being contenders than many thought but Rose doesn’t have an on-court role with the team, and even New York fans would like to see the veteran have a chance to win his first ring on a new team.