The Knicks were expecting to have Derrick Rose back for the stretch run, but instead, he will be sidelined again for an unknown period of time.
The team announced Friday afternoon that the veteran point guard, initially listed as doubtful for Friday night’s game against the Heat, will undergo a minor procedure on his right ankle, and a timeline for his return is yet to be determined.
Rose has surgery on the ankle after injuring it on Dec. 16 against the Rockets, and was expected to miss roughly eight weeks of action. The 33-year-old had previously been one of the team’s most valuable players, averaging 12 points and four assists off the bench, leading what was a highly-productive second unit for head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Rose was acquired via trade last season and immediately catapulted the Knicks offense to new heights, as the team finished 17-6 with Rose in the fold before he took over the bulk of the point guard duties from a struggling Elfrid Payton in the playoffs. As a result, Rose signed a three-year, $43 million deal in the offseason.
Thibodeau told reporters that Rose took contact for the first time on Wednesday, and that there was a chance he would be in the lineup at some point this weekend. The New York Post reported that Rose would make his return on Sunday against the 76ers at the latest after he practiced in full twice. Instead, his season is in jeopardy.
With Rose out and Kemba Walker shut down for the season, Alec Burks will likely continue to get heavy minutes at point guard, while Immanuel Quickley could see his time at the position increase. Rookie Miles McBride is also an option.
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