Derrick Rose just joined the New York Knicks on Monday, but the former Most Valuable Player already made a strong effort to connect with two of his new rookie teammates.
Rose, who played in New York during the 2016-17 season, was traded from the Detroit Pistons to the Knicks in exchange for Dennis Smith Jr. and a future second-round pick. The trade was officially completed on Monday morning with Rose joining the Knicks in Miami by nightfall.
On Tuesday, Knicks rookie Immanuel Quickley revealed that Rose reached out to him and fellow first-round pick, Obi Toppin. Rose sat down and had dinner with the two rookies and offered his assistance in anything that is needed from them.
“He just stressed to me — first of all, he gave me his number — and said anything I need just hit him,” Quickley said, via the New York Post. “But he sat down with me a little bit, me and Obi actually, just told us he’s here to help us, he’s here to help us grow and things like that. It’s good to get a chance to talk to him a little bit last night.”
The 32-year-old version of Rose is much different than the one that played under head coach Tom Thibodeau with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves earlier in his career. Rose still has much to offer the Knicks on the court, but the 13-year veteran has also taken on additional leadership qualities and played an integral role in mentoring some of the rookies in Detroit, such as Killian Hayes.
Rose will be looking to continue that role in New York and Quickley will be all ears throughout the rest of the season.
“Anytime you can get a chance to pick someone’s brain who’s been through pretty much everything – playoffs, everything, as far as MVP,” Quickley said. “It’s always a good chance to learn from somebody who has the experience. That’s the best teacher as far as picking his brain through everything he’s known about the game. It’s something I’m looking forward to.”
With Rose now in the picture, it is unclear how his arrival will impact Quickley on the court.
Quickley has emerged as a key contributor off the bench and has been among the best rookies to this point of the season. He believes he can fit well next to Rose and is willing to play whatever role is asked of him moving forward in the rotation.
The acquisition of Rose appears to be a good move for the Knicks.
He can certainly provide additional guidance and advice for the younger players on the team, like Quickley and Toppin. Only time will tell, though, if he can help them pick up some additional wins…
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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