Photo Credit: redsarmy.com
Phil Jackson, general manager of the New York Knicks, has done it again, trading for 2011 NBA MVP point guard Derrick Rose. This move required the Knicks to get rid of center Robin Lopez, point guard Jose Calderon, and point guard Jerian Grant. Additionally, the Knicks received shooting guard Justin Holiday and a 2017 2nd round pick. This trade with the Chicago Bulls has strengthened New York immensely, and has turned them into a potential playoff team.
With Carmelo Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, and now Derrick Rose, the Knicks now have an awfully good-looking starting five. Of course, this does not instantly convert them into a Finals-ready team. But, they clearly should benefit from the move. Despite doubts on Phil Jackson’s decisions thus far, he has noticeably improved the Knicks and understands what it takes to win.
Overall, this marks New York’s start as a competitive team again, as it shows that they are better than needing to tank for lottery draft picks. They now have a realistic chance of making the playoffs, and maybe even winning a series.
For Chicago, this symbolizes a rebuilding process taking place, as they are now without Derrick Rose. Once a team that made the Eastern Conference finals with Rose, they haven’t been the same since Rose’s 1st of 2 season-ending injuries.
This proves Jackson is not afraid to make a big move- one that could either be highly successful, or extremely disastrous. That is how he won as a coach, and it could be how he wins as a general manager as well.
~NBA Writer, Daniel Croll~
SportsPress 