National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: How Did Derrick Rose Do in His Debut?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The New York Knicks were unable to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, but there were some good things to take away from a blowout loss.

There have been some pretty high expectations placed on the New York Knicks this season. After having a great offseason, the Knicks appear to be poised to not only make the playoffs but to have some success when they reach it.

One of the keys to a successful season will be the play of point guard Derrick Rose. In recent years, the Knicks have not had a very good play coming from the point guard position. The lack of athleticism at point guard has held them back, but that appears to have changed.

Early on, it was quite obvious what Rose is going to be bringing to the table for the Knicks. Prior to their collapse in the third quarter, Rose was showing the ability to get to the basket with ease. Due to his trial in Los Angeles, Rose wasn’t with the Knicks for a good chunk of the preseason. His absence from the practice court did have a bit of an impact on his ability to finish, but the opportunities were there.

“I felt good, but a couple of finishes I’m still trying to shake the rust off,’’ he said to Marc Berman. “But I was happy the way I was still able to get to the rim.”

As many expected, Rose didn’t look all that comfortable running the offense in halfcourt sets. Understandably, Rose doesn’t know as much of the offense as he would like to start the season.

“Just getting used to the offense,’’ Rose said to Berman. “Of course I want to pick-and-roll every time down but with the triangle … you got to get used to it so it’s not that foreign. We got a lot of room to make up on that side of the ball, too.’’

One of the things that don’t seem to be holding Rose back anymore is his knee. The health of the Knicks will be monitored all season, but Rose appears to be ready to get rid of the reputation that he is fragile.

“I’m not thinking any more about it when I’m out there,’’ said Rose, who played 66 games last season. “Usually for me coming back, it was all about decelerating, slowing down, counting your steps. Now that’s out of my head. I’ve just been playing.’’

In the loss, Rose finished with 17 points on 7-for-17 shooting. He did have four turnovers and just one assist, but those numbers should improve when he has a better grasp of the offense.