Source: BET.com
How often does a former MVP miss out before a very important game for his team? This Monday, New York Knicks’ Derrick Rose went AWOL, worrying his teammates, staff and even fans. For now, there are a couple of unanswered questions, but the good news is that the 2011 NBA MVP is safe and sound.
Like it wasn’t enough that the team’s form wasn’t already bad (reaching eight defeats in the last nine games), Derrick Rose gave them another reason to worry on Monday. He was present at the morning shoot around, but skipped the game, without any explanations. The 28-year-old point-guard created a state of confusion, which heavily influenced his teammates. New York lost at home to the Pelicans, 96-110, and is on a 17-21 record this season. And to make things even worse, Carmelo Anthony and O’Quinn got rejected from the game.
At the post game interview, Joakim Noah confirmed that he got a text from Rose and his long-time teammate from Chicago said he’s OK. New York officials also heard from Derrick soon after, but the situation is at least awkward.
The official response was that Rose had some family problems back in Chicago and they needed to be solved urgently. But if that is true, why didn’t he answer his phone on Monday? It was clear for everybody in the Madison Square Arena that coach Jeff Hornacek and even president Phil Jackson had no idea what was going on and where one of their star players is.
Team officials are trying to keep a low profile, at least until Rose is back with an explanation. Rumors say that the 28-year-old basketball player had an argument with Hornacek and this is his way to make a point. For sure, things will get a lot clearer once Derrick returns from Chicago.
