By Andrew Rosario
Former player agent Leon Rose was officially introduced as President of Basketball Operations of the New York Knicks this past Monday. Rose represented an All Star list of players that included Philadelphia 76ers Joel and Thunders Chris Paul. The position became available when the President Steve Mills was dismissed two days before the trading deadline. General Manager Scott Perry had been in charge until the hiring of Rose was made official. It is not know if Perry will be retained at the end of the season. In typical Knicks media paranoia, Rose was not introduced to the media (as of this story) with owner James Dolan issuing the following statement: “We are pleased to welcome Leon to the New York Knicks as team president, and believe he is the right leader to build a winning organization for our fans.”
Rose met with the players and coaching staff at the Monday morning shoot around. When interim head coach Mike Miller was asked what Rose said, Miller would not go into details. “He (Rose) spoke with the staff and then talked with the team,” he began. “Without getting into any of the details about what he talked about, everybody’s just looking forward to continuing to move everything forward. Continue how do we build to get better everyday. Give him some time to get in and have a chance to really evaluate things and to see things and start moving.” Miller has no idea if he will be retained at the end of the year and it is something he is not concerned with. “I kind of told you guys before, my approach is always the same. We’re here today, trying to get better today. We’re trying to get ready for this game. I don’t need any assurances from anyone as we go through this.”
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Leon Rose then got a close up look at the team he has inherited when they hosted the James Harden, Russell Westbrook Houston Rockets. The teams met February 24th in Houston and despite the fact that Westbrook missed the game (strained left thumb) New York fell 123-112 with Harden scoring a game high 37 points. Five other Rockets scored in double digits.
The Rockets jumped out to a 9-1 lead before RJ Barrett woke up. The rookie from Duke scored 14 1st quarter points as New New York took a 36-31 lead. The Knicks carried the momentum into the 2nd quarter at one point going up by as many as 21 (62-41). Houston’s late run reduced the lead to 10 points (73-63) at the half. Harden had 16 points and with Westbrook chipping 13. The Knicks Wayne Ellington came off the bench to score 12 points hitting 4 of 5 three point attempts.
The second half had all the feel and drama of a playoff game something Knicks fans have not been a part of recently. New York continued to increase their lead Going up by 16 as the Rockets were throwing up 3-point bricks. Once again, Houston closed to ten points at the end of three. They then showed why the are one of the most explosive offenses in the league. They sank 3 trifectas to get within 3 at 109-106. New York kept their composure as the lead shrunk to 1 (122-121) after a Westbrook layup. After Julius Randolph makes hits 1 of 2 free throws to make it a 2 point game, Houston had a chance to steal the victory or at least send it into overtime. Neither happened as Westbrook’s jump shot from the foul line bounced off the front of the rim giving New York the 125-123 win.
“We knew they (Houston) were gonna make a run,” said Miller after. “We knew no matter what happens, with the fire power and how quick they could get back in it we new they could get back in the game.” Barrett finished with a career high 27 points. “I love playing at home. I love playing at the Garden. Trying to get some momentum. It’s a good way to start the week.”
Leon Rose did issue a statement that was released during the game. “Our team has young talent, significant assets (including seven first round picks over the next four years) and an ample amount of financial flexibility in the coming years. Everyone – from ownership to athletes to staff especially our fans – wants this team to be a winner. Knicks fans, and the city of New York, the team you deserve. Nothing about this is easy, or quick so I ask for your continued patience.”
Unfortunately, similar statements have been made in the past. For at least one night, they gave Knicks fans something to look forward to taking down a team that is expected to go deep in the playoffs.
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