Although the offseason did not introduce superstars, after targeted reinforcements, the Knicks' prospects for the new season are still promising. However, after the start of the game, the Knicks' new signings did not play the team's expectations, and the performance of the team's owner Randall also fluctuated, and the only thing that could make Knicks coach Thibodeau happy was that the 34-year-old Rose was still able to make important contributions to the team on the court.
Last season's Knicks played a delightful performance, not only was Randall selected for the All-Star Game with excellent performances, but the Knicks also entered the playoffs at the end of the regular season with a fourth-place finish in the East. Such results were obviously unpredictable before the start of last season, after all, while the nets, Celtics, 76ers and other teams have soared, the Knicks did not have much reinforcement operation last season, and the only deal worth paying attention to was to trade Rose in the middle of the season.
The Knicks' deal became their biggest gain in the playoffs. After entering the playoffs, the Knicks players suddenly fell into a slump, and Randall, who had just won the Fastest Improving Player Award, was laughed at as the "fastest regressive player". Only Rose stepped forward and became the Knicks' most eye-catching player. Averaging 19.4 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists per game, Rose was awarded a three-year, $43 million contract extension from the Knicks in the offseason.
In order to let the team have a better performance in the new season, the Knicks not only renewed Rose's contract in the offseason, but also signed Walker and Fournier, which is also hoped that the team will reduce the offensive pressure for the interior through the improvement of the strength of the backcourt. Walker is good at breaking through, while Fournier is good at shooting and can play multiple positions. No matter what tactical combinations the Knicks use, the lineup has good variability.
However, after the start of the new season, the performance of these players did not satisfy the Knicks coaching staff, and the best performance was the veteran Rose. In the first three games of the game, Rose averaged 14.7 points per game, especially against the Magic, and Rose played the fourth quarter as a substitute and scored 10 points. Although the Knicks eventually lost to their opponents, Rose had a plus-minus of +8. In the first three games, when Rose was on the floor, the Knicks had a net victory of 49 points, the highest team win-loss value.
As early as the first two seasons, Rose was regarded as the best sixth-man favorite, but due to the impact of the team's performance, Rose was ultimately not elected. Rose has high hopes for the Knicks this season and has played an important role in the team's tactics, and if the Knicks can still maintain the results of last season, rose is likely to win the best sixth man award this season.
Although he is 34 years old, the veteran who once set the league's youngest regular season MVP record has no intention of stopping, and helping the Knicks to play better in the playoffs has become Rose's biggest concern at present. Today, Rose is no longer concerned about winning individual awards, but wants to really help the team and contribute the last strength of his career to the team.