DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 13: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons moves the ball up court against the New York Knicks in the second half of an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on December 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Detroit defeated New York 99-91. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau apparently cannot live without Derrick Rose and just traded for his former star guard.
Tom Thibodeau is working his magic and has the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference playoff picture at the start of February. That means the Knicks are actually buyers before the trade deadline.
The Detroit Pistons, on the other hand, are a mess. Derrick Rose reportedly wanted out and has now gotten his wish, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Knicks: Derrick Rose is reuniting with Tom Thibodeau, again
These two are destined to be together. Thibodeau has now been a head coach for three NBA teams and has had Rose in all three stops. First it was a rise to stardom with the Chicago Bulls, followed by both trying to take that magic to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now Rose makes his return to the Knicks after spending the 2016-17 season playing at Madison Square Garden.
He should serve as a nice boost to a young Knicks squad that entered Sunday with an 11-13 record. Julius Randle is living up to his salary and the likes of RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Mitchell Robinson are playing at a nice level.
The band is officially back together as Rose will join Taj Gibson in New York, who also went to Minnesota when Thibodeau tried to recreate his Bulls magic up north. The difference now is no Jimmy Butler, but the coach is doing well with what he has on the roster.
Dennis Smith Jr. heads to Detroit after not seeing much time on the floor this season and ultimately being sent to the G League. The former first-round pick now gets a second chance with the woeful Pistons.
The Knicks have not been to the postseason since the 2012-13 season. The duo of Rose and Thibs will look to change that and bring that old Bulls style to the Garden.