New York Knicks: Jeff Hornacek Needs A Healthy Derrick Rose

The New York Knicks had flaws exposed and strengths revealed during its five-game road trip. One determination was easy to make: the Knicks need Derrick Rose.

The New York Knicks have an intriguing balance at point guard with starter Derrick Rose and sixth man Brandon Jennings. Rose is the physical slasher who consistently gets to the rim, while Jennings is the all-around playmaker who can space the floor.

Subtract one of the two and that delicate balance is lost—a brutal reality that New York learned the hard away during its five-game road trip.

Rose missed three of the Knicks’ five games away from home and played just 10 minutes against the Phoenix Suns. In what was essentially a four-game absence, New York went just 1-3 and suffered dearly without Rose.

According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Hornacek acknowledged how badly the Knicks missed Rose’s ability to finish at the rim.

“It sure looked like it. Brandon has the ability to drive in there too,” the coach said. “But I think Derrick’s finishes really draws guys into the lane. And then we’re able to kick out from that. Brandon will dribble around and throw it out to somebody. But I’m not sure other teams are as concerned with Brandon finishing at the basket as they are with Derrick.”

That’s no knock on Jennings, but instead an acknowledgement of the balance that he and Rose provide.

Amongst players who have played at least 20 games, Rose is No. 12 in the NBA in drives per game. Rose is No. 10 in the Association in points via drives per game at 7.3 on remarkably efficient 54.0 percent shooting.

For perspective: Jennings is No. 2 on the Knicks with 2.7 points via drives per game.

Jennings could score more via drives if he made it a point to do so, but that isn’t his primary instinct as a player.

Rose’s ability to create penetration and finish at the rim keeps eyes on him at all times when New York has the ball. Whether that skill is utilized as a decoy or a focal point of offensive execution, it’s invaluable to the Knicks’ offense.

Jennings brings something special to the table with his facilitating, shooting, and overall mentality, but Rose is the Knicks’ primary slasher.

Jeff Hornacek knows just how important it is for Derrick Rose to take the necessary precautions and come back at a sustainable 100 percent.