Derrick Rose, who is set to become unrestricted free-agent for the first time in his career this summer, has expressed interest in staying with the New York Knicks for more seasons. New York Post writer Marc Beerman reported the feeling is mutual between the player and the organization as Knicks president of basketball operation Phil Jackson remains high on the former NBA MVP.
The feeling is mutual
Beerman stated Jackson was impressed with Rose’s attitude despite coming off another rough year. The Knicks executive admitted he liked the player’s desire to stay in New York next season despite another underwhelming season for the Knicks.
“We had a good conversation with him today. He expressed that he wants to be back,” Jackson said of Rose, who’s still eager to redeem himself after another subpar statistical year.
The Chicago Bulls traded Rose to the Knicks in exchange for Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon, Jeriah Grant, and draft picks last summer. In New York, the 28-year old Rose showed flashes of his old self as he averaged 18.0 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 32 minutes per game. Unfortunately, injuries and the distractions created by the sexual assault case filed against him allowed him to play 64 games.
Rose ultimately missed the final two weeks of the regular-season after doctors found out a torn meniscus in his knee.
He already underwent surgery – a fourth major surgical procedure on his knee – last month and is expected to begin his rehabilitation in a matter of weeks.
The Knicks are expected to use their top-10 pick for a point guard, but Jackson is not ruling out Rose as a viable free-agency option. He still believes the Knicks can parlay Rose’s strength – which is scoring and attacking the rim – to something productive.
Moreover, the prevailing thought is New York could give Rose another chance to prove himself on a one-year deal.
Porzingis wants to stay NY-bound
Despite his silent rebellion against the Knicks front-office, Kristaps Porzingis (18.1 ppg and 7.2 RPG) cleared that he loves New York and he wants to stay with the Knicks next season.
Porzingis, who is still on his rookie deal, snubbed the Knicks’ exit interview without giving an explanation for his absence.
However, insiders reported that Porzingis is upset with Jackson’s mishandling of Carmelo Anthony’s situation and the team’s lack of clear direction. Regardless of his frustration, Porzingis is still committed to being part of the Knicks in the long run. “Of course, love New York. I love New York,” the Latvian said when asked if he still wants to play with the Knicks.
