The New York Knicks have been hit hard by players entering the NBA’s health and safety protocols. They had as many as six players in the protocols at once, but arguably the biggest loss that the team has suffered recently was Derrick Rose.
Rose was inserted into the starting lineup once the New York Knicks began losing players to positive COVID tests. He was playing heavy minutes, playing at least 33 minutes in three consecutive games. In his third consecutive start, the fourth of the season, Rose played 12 minutes in the first half but did not return for the second half.
It was originally reported that Rose was dealing with ankle soreness. He has missed the last two games and is going to be missing a lot more.
It was announced on Wednesday that Derrick Rose underwent surgery on his ankle and will be re-evaluated in eight weeks. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that there is optimism that he could be closer to a six-week timetable.
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This is a massive blow to the New York Knicks, as Rose has been arguably their best player this season, producing the most consistently. On the season, he has averaged 12 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 24.5 minutes per game.
His shooting numbers had been excellent, as he was making 44.5 percent of his shot attempts overall, a career-high 40.2 percent from the foul line and 96.8 percent at the foul line, another career-high.
Without Derrick Rose in the lineup, Tom Thibodeau will likely have to turn to Kemba Walker again. Walker started 18 games at the beginning of the season, sitting twice on the second night of back-to-backs. But, he was removed from the starting five and rotation altogether 20 games into the season.
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With the team being as shorthanded as they were, Walker has been starting the last two games and likely will be starting going forward. Deuce McBride, who was excellent in his extended run before landing in the league’s health and safety protocols could see his role expand upon his return as well.
