Derrick Rose became the youngest MVP in the NBA back in 2011 at just 22 years old. He razzled and dazzled his way to the basket and led the Chicago Bulls to the 2011-12 Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA. Three knee injuries later, Rose is now with the New York Knicks and isn't the type of player he once was in the NBA 2016-17 season.
Every now and then, Rose would show flashes of his explosiveness and it would make fans think that maybe 'Vintage Rose' is back. But he would be first to tell everybody that isn't the case. "That vintage is gone, man. The question should be: 'Can I hoop?' I can hoop," Rose said.
The past few seasons of the NBA, the New York Knicks desperately needed a point guard. Phil Jackson was criticized when he traded for Derrick Rose. The main issue was not whether Rose could fill that role, it was whether he could stay healthy or not.
So far this NBA 2016-17 season, Derrick Rose has played all 14 games and have averaged 15.8 points, four rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game and he's doing it differently compared to his time with the Chicago Bulls. He's picking his spots. He's not recklessly attacking the basket like he did before the knee injuries.
Carmelo Anthony has been patient and supportive of Derrick Rose's progress. And like his teammates and Knicks fans, Melo is optimistic that Rose can still be an effective player for them. "I don't think he'll ever be the same Derrick rose coming down and dunking," Anthony said. "He could be great at being a different type of player, and that's what he's showing."
In their game against the Portland Trailblazers, Rose did just that. With under 14 seconds left in the game and the Knicks up just two points 105-103, he smoothly did two crossovers before he calmly took a step-back jumper to seal the game for the Knicks.
It wasn't so much about the game-winning shot. It was about him having his confidence back. If he can continue to build his confidence, the emergence of Kristaps Porzingis, the willingness of Melo to give up the ball and let others shine, and their activity in the bench, the Knicks could make some noise come playoff time in the NBA 2016-17 season.
