Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Jennings Becoming A Valuable Piece For the New York Knicks
New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek says Derrick Rose is a bigger threat than Brandon Jennings. The 2011 NBA MVP has been battling back spasms and played in three of the last five games for the team
During Rose’s absence, Brandon Jennings–who has been a starter for almost all of his career–has stepped up for the Knicks at the point guard position.
“It sure looked like it. Brandon [Jennings] has the ability to drive in there too,” said Hornacek. “But I think Derrick [Rose’s] finishes really draws guys into the lane. And then we’re able to kick out from that. Brandon [Jennings] will dribble around and throw it out to somebody. But I’m not sure other teams are as concerned with Brandon finishing at the basket as they are with [Rose].”
The three-time NBA all-star insists he wants to play, but doesn’t want to force anything and seriously injure himself.
”I hate missing [games], but I have to be smart about it,” noted Rose. “I want to play consistent games instead of playing one game, aggravating something and missing two games. I want to play consistent games.”
In 23 games played so far in the season, Derrick Rose has averaged 16.4 points along with 4.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Brandon Jennings, on the other hand, is averaging 11.4 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game over his last ten games. Jennings has played solid minutes in place of the injured Rose.
