The New York Knicks have enjoyed an interesting offseason, to say the least. The team had some sort of a hangover last season following their playoff appearance in the 2020-21 season, with multiple players underperforming. They were primed to make some additions and splashed the cash on Jalen Brunson in free agency. The Knicks looked like the favorites to land Donovan Mitchell as well, but that didn’t quite work out and he ended up on the Cleveland Cavaliers instead.
Now, with a new season about to begin, the pressure is on the Knicks to bounce back from last season. After missing the play-in, fans in New York will expect to see another concerted push to get into the playoffs. And while even the most optimistic fan won’t be dreaming of a championship, the Knicks do need to show some signs of tangible improvement moving forward.
One of the wild cards for them this season could be none other than Derrick Rose. He is nowhere close to being the player he was in his prime, but if he stays healthy, DRose can have a huge impact coming off the bench. And with his weight now down to what it was in his youth, he could put in another stellar season. But beyond what he can do, he knows what the key for the Knicks to be successful is.
Derrick Rose Highlighted The Need For The Knicks’ Players To Be Accountable Next Season
Derrick Rose is someone who’s been there and done that in terms of leading a team to success. That might not mean a title, but he knows what it takes to win. So when he spoke about what the Knicks need to focus on, it made for some interesting listening.
"I think what this year's all about is accountability. Being able to not get in your feelings…when somebody's coming over & giving you constructive criticism…If the last guy can't tell the star you missed a coverage, something wrong; & it's vice versa"
– Derrick Rose pic.twitter.com/IXUMgkQtCw
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) September 27, 2022
“I think what this year’s all about is accountability. Being able to not get in your feelings or taking it personal when somebody’s coming over and giving you constructive criticism. As a man and a professional, you supposed to understand that… Not carrying it over and understanding that it’s for the better of the team. As long as everybody on that same page, we should be good… If the last guy can’t tell the star you missed a coverage, something’s wrong, and it’s vice versa.”
The Knicks may not have a superstar, but with RJ Barrett continuing to get better and Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and Derrick Rose all capable of producing good basketball, they should be aiming to make some noise in the Eastern Conference. Playing for the Knicks comes with big expectations, and putting the team first is always a key element of that.
