New York Knicks: Derrick Rose Eager To Move Past Injuries
Derrick Rose is ready to move on from his back injuries and get back to helping the New York Knicks pursue a spot in the 2017 NBA Playoffs.
When he’s been on the court, New York Knicks starting point guard Derrick Rose has justified Phil Jackson’s investment. He’s been a dynamic playmaker who has served as the glue to the Knicks’ offense in 2016-17.
Unfortunately, Rose has been battling a back injury that’s forced him to miss time on two separate occasions.
Rose has missed four games, the fourth quarter of a fifth game, and all but 10 minutes of a sixth with back spasms. The injury surfaced on Tuesday, December 6, and then again on Tuesday, December 13.
One can only hope that it won’t resurface on Tuesday, December 20, when Rose returns to action against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Rose is ready to move on from the injury issues and get back to focusing on winning games.
“That’s the plan,” he said after participating in a full practice on Monday. “I just want to put all these injuries behind me and get on with the season.”
“I think it’s just a one-shot thing,” he said. “Before I fell I wasn’t worried about it. Things like this are going to happen. It comes with the season — bumps and falls. I just got to find a way around it. I can’t let it get to me mentally.”
The mental aspect is even more important than the physical issues.
Rose has spoken at great length about the key to overcoming his previous injuries: don’t think, react. He cited overthinking as a reason his muscles would tense and injuries would occur following his infamous ACL tear in 2012.
Though his recent injuries have been frustrating—for Rose more than anyone else—he’s approaching this in a far more responsible manner than he used to.
The Knicks will need him to take care of his body if the 2016-17 NBA regular season is going to lead to a postseason appearance.
Rose is currently averaging 16.4 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.0 rebounds on 45.6 percent shooting from the field. He’s No. 3 on the Knicks in scoring, No. 2 in assists per game, and No. 3 in free throw attempts per contest.
Most importantly, his presence as a penetrating playmaker forces opponents to collapse defensively and leave shooters open along the wings.
Though Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis may be the Knicks’ two leading scorers, Rose is a piece of the puzzle who simply cannot be removed.
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