Quentin Grimes: Derrick Rose has become 'key factor' for Knicks

New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose. Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Quentin Grimes explains how Derrick Rose has become 'key factor' for Knicks

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 4/14/23

Despite hardly playing for the New York Knicks throughout the 2022-23 season, Derrick Rose heads into their first-round playoff matchup as a leader for the upstart squad.

In 2022-23, the New York Knicks are back. Julius Randle has recaptured his All-NBA status from 2020-21, Jalen Brunson has been the best free agent signing of this past summer, and players like Immanuel Quickley have taken major leaps forward in development. But one name that hasn’t been a big part of the turnaround is Rose.

While Rose was huge in the New York Knicks’ return to the playoffs two years ago, injuries and his age relegated him to just 27 games this season. Yet, the three-time All-Star still seems to have a major role to play in their playoff series against the Cleveland Cavalier, even from the bench.

New York Knicks record: 47-35

On Thursday, the New York Post reported on Rose’s new major role with the Knicks, and that is as a leader and adviser. Teammate Quentin Grimes explains:

“He’s been great. I feel like the past week and a half or so, he’s been a little more vocal. I think he kind of feels the excitement coming back, the playoffs coming around. He hasn’t been in the rotation for us [but] he’s been kind of one of the biggest key factors for us on the bench, talking to us, giving me tips, Jalen tips, whoever really kind of comes out of the game.

"Given what we’re going through, stuff out there in practice, he’s definitely talking more. He’s talking to me, [Miles McBride], anybody, anybody who will listen. Having a guy like that — he’s an MVP, a Hall of Famer, you’re gonna listen to him every time he talks. So, it’s definitely gonna be something I take advantage of, for sure.”

Many of the players mentioned have been major and new impact players on this particular roster. Leadership plays a huge role in the postseason, and if they can continue that strong play due to the advice and leadership of Rose, that will be massive in the New York Knicks scoring a first-round upset in the NBA playoffs.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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