The rumor had been swelling for a few days around Derrick Rose and has just materialized this weekend. The Pistons point guard leaves Motor City to join the Knicks. In exchange, New York sends Dennis Smith Jr and the 2021 Hornets second draft round. Taj Gibson signed last month, the coach Tom Thibodeau repatriates another of his favorite players from the Bulls and then the Timberwolves. At 32, Rose was one of the Pistons’ most profitable spins: 14.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 4.2 decisive assists in 23 minutes. This movement confirms that the New York franchise is aiming for a place in the playoffs with a start to the season beyond expectations. An arrival that doesn’t suit the rookie Immanuel Quickley. Despite 4 performances over 20 points, he plays on average 10 minutes less than the titular leader Elfrid Payton. The arrival of Rose will further toughen the competition for this position.
Ct Detroit, it will be interesting to see if Dennis Smith Jr manages to revive. Arrived New York in the trade of Kristaps Porzingis, the former Maverick never found his place in the workforce. Recently sent to the G-League, his passage to the Big Apple remains a fiasco: 58 matches in two seasons for 8.7 points and 3.7 assists in 20 minutes. In a Pistons team under reconstruction, DSJ has all the cards in hand to restore its image. The titular leader Killian Hayes is still blocked the infirmary, suddenly Smith Jr will share his playing time with the other leader of the roster, Delon Wright.
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