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New York Knicks: 5 Options To Back Up Derrick Rose

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) talks with referee Michael Smith (38) in the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 110-94. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard D.J. Augustin (12) talks with referee Michael Smith (38) in the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Knicks 110-94. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks have their man in Derrick Rose to be the starting point guard, but who will be his back up? Here are five players that could fill that role.

New York Knicks: 5 Options To Backup Derrick Rose
Feb 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Knicks made a big move last week, completing a trade with the Chicago Bulls for former MVP Derrick Rose. In the deal, the Knicks also received Justin Holiday and a 2017 second round pick, sending Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant to Chicago in the deal. While the Knicks opened a hole at center, they accomplished their main goal heading into the offseason of upgrading the point guard position.

While the Knicks will have to find a replacement for Lopez in the middle, they have some options already in place in Kyle O’Quinn, Willy Hernangomez coming over from overseas and Marshall Plumlee being signed as a undrafted free agent. Even if the Knicks decide to find another option in free agency, they have some depth in place.

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The same cannot be said for point guard, where it is Derrick Rose and nothing else. The players who played a majority of the minutes at point guard for the Knicks last season were sent to Chicago in the deal, and Tony Wroten was also waived. As a result, the Knicks need to add depth behind the injury prone Rose.

The point guard free agent class isn’t very strong, which is part of the reason that Phil Jackson pulled the trigger on acquiring Rose; Lopez will be easier to replace on the free agent market. While there aren’t many starting caliber guards on the market, the Knicks should be able to find some veteran help.

The Knicks signed undrafted free agent Ron Baker, and he has a chance to stick at the end of the bench as a developmental prospect. But, the need for a veteran is still there. Here are five options the Knicks should consider once free agency opens up this week as backup point guard options.

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