Well, this is a new one.
Minutes after the New York Knicks tipped off their eventual loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, it was announced that Derrick Rose, who was conspicuously absent from the starting five, was no longer with the team for undisclosed reasons.
The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski provided some context:
Sources: There are team officials, teammates and close associates unclear of reason for Derrick Rose's absence for Knicks-Pelicans at MSG.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2017
As you'd expect, sources say Rose was unhappy with fourth quarter benching on Friday in Milwaukee — but unclear if that's impacted absence.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2017
Sources: At tip-off, Knicks still hadn't been in contact with Derrick Rose. Unclear if they've reached him — or kept trying — during game.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2017
It is very possible Rose could have a legitimate reason for missing game — family-related or otherwise — but that's yet to be determined.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2017
Joakim Noah apparently talked to Rose after the game, but he wouldn’t divulge the details of his conversation, per The Vertical’s Chris Mannix:
Joakim Noah tells reporters that he spoke to Derrick Rose after the game. Says "He's OK." Does not elaborate further.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) January 10, 2017
ESPN.com’s Ramona Shelburne added this:
Re Derrick Rose: Sources tell ESPN he left w/out permission but has subsequently been in touch with team officials.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 10, 2017
According to sources Rose told the team he had a family situation.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 10, 2017
The New York Daily News‘ Frank Isola, meanwhile, heard Rose may have gone back to Chicago:
There are strong indications that Derrick Rose returned to his hometown of Chicago.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) January 10, 2017
Mannix, finally, reiterated that Rose has informed friends he’s doing fine:
Derrick Rose has sent text messages to friends reiterating that he is OK, league sources told @TheVertical. Still unclear where he is.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) January 10, 2017
It’s irresponsible to comment further what’s going on here until we know the full story.
In the immediate aftermath, though, it’s clear team president Phil Jackson, not head coach Jeff Hornacek, should have addressed the media regarding this situation. Rose was his big summer acquisition, and he’s the one tasked with answering for non-basketball dilemmas.
Jackson, like the rest of us, may have been in the dark as to Derrick Rose’s whereabouts. But that’s not a good enough excuse. Hopefully the situation isn’t dire to Rose or anyone close to him. And, at the same time, hopefully the Knicks, specifically Jackson, are willing to answer for this bizarre turn of events very soon.
