Derrick Rose is done for the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus, and the New York Knicks haven’t yet decided whether he’s played his last game in orange and blue.
From the New York Post‘s Marc Berman:
The Knicks shopped Rose at the trade deadline, well before his left knee became a major issue again. Rose didn’t show up after Sunday’s MRI exam diagnosed he needs arthroscopic surgery, which likely will take place this week. Hornacek said it’s a four-to-six week rehab process. Rose finished with 64 games played, falling short of last season’s number (65) and making his return that much more unlikely.
“We haven’t discussed that,’’ Hornacek said before the Knicks’ surprising 100-91 victory. “Derrick did a lot of good things for us this year, with the way he can break down the defense. As the season went on, he got more comfortable with the offense. It’s unfortunate he has to have another surgery. I’m sure he’ll come back strong from it. He worked hard last year in the summer to get his body in good shape. I’m sure he’ll do that again. We’ll take a look at it and see if we can bring him back.’’
Before you write off Jeff Hornacek’s comments as coach-speak, remember these are the Knicks we’re talking about. Rose’s free-agent stock plummeted while he was healthy; it’s only going downhill now that he’s injured again. Couldn’t you picture the Knicks retaining him at what they believe to be a bargain?
Rose’s work ethic and desire to return from his latest setback isn’t up for debate. His character and play style are a different story. We know he works hard off the court, and he’s not exactly lazy on offense. But he doesn’t do much on the defensive end, he doesn’t shoot threes and his dribble drives don’t make those around him better.
The Knicks have long needed a point guard who can be a viable setup man. Rose isn’t it. And if team president Phil Jackson truly wants the team to start heading in the right direction, he’ll pivot from Rose in search of another floor general over the summer.
