National Basketball Association

New York Knicks: Walt Frazier Calls Derrick Rose Key To Playoff Hopes

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

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

The New York Knicks are in dire need of a postseason appearance. Hall of Fame point guard Walt Frazier believes Derrick Rose will be the key to success.

After years of running from contemporary standards, the New York Knicks have finally embraced the need for a high-caliber point guard. New York pursued that elusive presence by trading for Derrick Rose and signing Brandon Jennings.

The greatest point guard in franchise history believes that one of those two men will be the key to the Knicks’ pursuit of the postseason.

Rose is on the final year of his current contract. No one knows what to expect from free agency, as his injury history, defensive inconsistency, and erratic nature as a facilitator have called his value into question.

According to Michael Salfino of The Wall Street Journal, Frazier identified the key to the Knicks’ success in 2016-17: Rose.

Rose’s health certainly projects to be a defining factor in 2016-17.

Remaining healthy will be a vital task for Rose, but it’s bigger than simply being active. He must play the role that best fits the Knicks’ offense and personnel.

Following the season opener, when Rose dished out one assist to four turnovers, it’s fair to be skeptical of his willingness to facilitate.

There’s no question about whether or not Rose can still create penetration and finish at the rim. He remains one of the most dynamic slashers in the Association, but the Knicks don’t necessarily need him to be a scorer.

What New York needs from Rose is consistency in creating ball movement and scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Remaining healthy will be a key point of emphasis, but it’s what he does when he plays that will define the Knicks’ season.

More from Daily Knicks

This article originally appeared on

share

Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Basketball Association