Derrick Rose will be a great fit on a gritty New York Knicks team. Coach Tom Thibodeau and Rose have a great relationship and have had a ton of success together. Rose was the youngest MVP in league history under Thibs in Chicago and had a major career resurgence a few years back while playing under Thibs in Minnesota. Rose recently described their relationship, "The synergy we got I can't explain it," Rose said. "We're an odd couple but for some reason we understand the game and we're students of the game.” Not only does Rose and Coach Thibs have a great relationship, but Rose is a major upgrade to Austin Rivers coming off the bench.
The Knicks, while tops in the league defensively, have struggled on offense all season long. Derrick Rose provides them with a guy who can get his own shot off at will. When the offense gets stagnant, Rose is the guy who can get to the basket and create shots for himself and his teammates. Rose’s veteran leadership will also be extremely valuable for Immanuel Quickley. Not only will Quickley learn from Rose, but utilizing them in a 2 guard line-up will complement both of their playing styles. Quickleys three point shooting will help create space for Rose to penetrate, while defenses collapsing on Rose will help Quickley get open behind the arc. Derrick Rose playing with the 2nd unit will also do wonders for Obi Toppin who needs a guard who has mastered the pick and roll. Rose already set up Toppin on a beautiful and 1 dunk off a pick and roll during his debut in Miami.
Derrick Rose is a great short term fit for the Knicks and they didn't have to leverage their future success to bring him in. The Knicks dealt Dennis Smith Jr and a 2021 2nd round pick from the Hornets for Rose. Dennis Smith and Rose only had 1 year left on their deals so it doesn't impact future cap room, and they still have 2 first round picks and a 2nd round pick in the 2021 draft, so they should be able to make the moves they want in the draft.