Derrick Rose Deserves His Flowers: Unchecked

Derrick Rose has become the Knicks most important player amidst his career renaissance.

It wasn’t that long ago I thought Derrick Rose was done, but now he’s the most important player for the New York Knicks in a playoff series. That type of career renaissance deserves recognition.

Really cool seeing Derrick Rose lead a team to a playoff win.

— Overtime (@overtime) May 27, 2021

If it wasn’t for Rose, Knicks fans wouldn’t have seen a postseason win for the first time since 2013, as Rose’s reunion with head coach Tom Thibodeau continues to work out beautifully.

An emotional Taj Gibson on winning a playoff game with Tom Thibodeau and Derrick Rose after all they've been through:

"This is some magical stuff right now. I don't know how to explain it. I don't take anything for granted, but every day I come in, it's just surreal." pic.twitter.com/qF95Iz4tYD

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 27, 2021

New York needed every one of the 38-plus minutes he played in game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks, especially given Julius Randle’s struggles. Rose was the only player out there who could create for the team, and in getting the win he further added to what is a fascinating chapter of his career.

38:44 minutes for Derrick Rose tonight..the most he's recorded since December 28th, 2018.

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) May 27, 2021

Remember, it’s not always easy for former superstars to reinvent themselves. We saw that with Allen Iverson and what transpired with Carmelo Anthony before he found the right fit in Portland. That’s why it always stands out when it does happen, as it did with Vince Carter becoming a role player and Grant Hill contributing after injury.

Derrick Rose, man. pic.twitter.com/uizFFaZ648

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 27, 2021

Like with Hill, in Rose’s case, we’re talking about someone for whom we thought we’d be asking what could have been. Instead, we’re now talking about what is, given he’s proven his game is actually built to last.

Derrick Rose is getting a ton of love and it honestly isn’t enough. He was down and out and lost his super power. Through sheer force of will he reinvented his game and turned back into an upper echelon player in a completely different mold. 26 in a playoff win at MSG. I love it.

— Danny Parkins (@DannyParkins) May 27, 2021

Because in leading the Knicks to victory, he was once again an MVP, and Madison Square Garden certainly wouldn’t have been able to rise up again without Rose. Just make sure you don’t refer to his performance as vintage.

🌹”It’s nothing VINTAGE about my game but my floaters.” pic.twitter.com/BKeEqlO8SC

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) May 21, 2021