Derrick Rose is no stranger to injuries. The former NBA MVP has been plagued by them for the past five seasons. So when Rose felt his back tighten up in their game against the Miami Heat, he knew he had to get himself out of the game.
Derrick Rose played 24 minutes through three quarters in their 114-103 win over the Heat but did not play in the fourth quarter. He said he felt no lift when he tried to make a play in the third quarter and knew there was a problem.
"It's just spasms," Rose said. "Usually when you have back spasms or back problems, it comes from somewhere else - it could be hamstring, it could be groin, could be something else," he added.
It's encouraging that Derrick Rose understands what's going on with his body but it's alarming that he himself admits that there is a problem. His injury history includes a sprained wrist, torn right meniscus twice, torn ACL in his left knee, and a few minor others.
The Knicks knew coming into the 2016-17 season that the main issue with Derrick Rose will be whether he can stay healthy or not. So far, he has appeared in and started all 20 games and is averaging 17 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists on 45.5 percent shooting in 32.3 minutes per game.
"I'm not concerned," Rose said. It's nothing structure-wise that's bothering me. It's just a muscular problem. We'll be able to see tomorrow," he added.
He may not be concerned but Knicks fans surely are. He seems to be easing into his role with the Knicks, playing behind Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. Every now and then he would show flashes of his explosiveness with his strong drives to the basket. But every explosive move he makes, fans hold their breath and hope nothing happens to Derrick Rose on his way up, while he's up, and on his way down.
The Knicks did say it was nothing serious but with Rose's history, they might want to be more cautious. Derrick Rose is questionable to play in their game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. If he is unable to go, backup Brandon Jennings will get the start at point guard.