On Sunday, the New York Knicks pulled the trigger on a trade that brought in Pistons guard Derrick Rose, who played with the franchise once already for the 2016-17 season.
But that’s not the only reunion that happened this week. The trade also reunited Rose with his former coach, Tom Thibodeau, who is now leading the charge for the Knickerbockers.
It’s an interesting storyline and could mean great news for Rose. In a chat with Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, Jimmy Butler, who started his career in Chicago, spoke about the move, seemingly reminiscing about the old times.
“Thibs is getting the band back together…
Thibs is a hell of a coach. I have so much respect for him. And D-Rose is a hell of a player then and a hell of a player now,” Butler said. “He’s going to come in with that winning mentality and keep playing the way that he’s been playing these last couple years. That kid has a lot of go in him – he really does. And it’s inspiring and really, really impressive to watch. So I hope he’s in that uniform when we play them (in the rematch Tuesday in Miami).”
The Knicks are having a good season, all things considered. After striking out on multiple big-name free agents, they were coming into the 2021 campaign with low expectations and no clear path for the future. But, 25 games in, the Knicks are in the playoff picture with an 11-14 record.
Rose is an upgrade at the point guard position, and the acquisition could get them another step further to finally making the postseason.
Needless to say, DRose’s arrival could mean big things for all involved. But we’ll have to see how it all plays out in the end…
