New York Knicks Roster Puzzle and Piecing It Together: How Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose Will Fit Into the 2016-17 Season Team
The New York Knicks have created noise this offseason by signing 2011 MVP Derrick Rose and former Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah.
In acquiring Rose, the Knicks have successfully filled a position of need in the point guard position. While Jose Calderon was a serviceable floor general, the 34-year old Spaniard is past his prime. Since suffering knee injuries in 2012 and 2013, Rose has proven that he can still be productive, having averaged 16 points and 4.7 assists per game last season.
However, he isn't the MVP he once was, and he needs to learn to accept that.
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So how does Rose fit into the Knicks's sytem?
Rose is a ball-dominant guard, and he will join a line-up which includes a ball-dominant forward in Carmelo Anthony. Based on this angle, the trade for Rose seems like a bad move. But keep in mind that the 2016-2017 season is a contract year for the ex-Bull. Rose will be a free agent at the end of the season, and if he wants to earn more than $21.3 million in 2017-2018, then he must learn to play within the system of new head coach Jeff Hornacek. A happy ending for both sides will see a resurgent Rose playing alongside 2 floor spacers in Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis which would land him a lucrative multi-year contract. A nightmare scenario will see the ball-dominant, score first guard being an odd fit in New York. If this happens, the Knicks can let him go after one season, leaving the team with enough cap space to sign a starting point guard.
Another former all-star brought in by the Knicks is talented center Joakim Noah, who was signed for 4 years and $72 million. Obviously, the biggest issue is his value. The 31-year old has just come off his worst season statistically, and his productivity has been limited the past season due to various injuries. However, he still has value, especially when healthy. The big man is an excellent passer out of the post, and a hustle player with a strong presence in the locker room. However, he is limited offensively, and his 31-year old frame may not have the explosiveness he once had that saw him place 3rd in MVP voting two years ago.
Other notable moves the Knicks have made is signing guard Courtney Lee to a 4-year, $50 million deal. This upgrades their SG position, also a position of need. This comes after Arron Afflalo opted to become a free agent after the season ended. Lee will complement the high-scoring Carmelo Anthony with excellent defense, selflessness and hustle. Brandon Jennings was also signed by the Knicks to a one-year, $5 million deal. Jennings will back-up starting point guard Rose, and should provide scoring off the bench for the Knicks.
