NBA Rumors: Derrick Rose Undergoes Procedure; Tom Thibodeau Faces Dilemma For Knicks

KEY POINTS

The Knicks faced a setback after Derrick Rose underwent a procedure on his right ankle Friday to address a skin infection
Tom Thibodeau said he has no plans to recall Kemba Walker
Thibodeau insisted he is not bothered by talk that his coaching job is in jeopardy

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau finds himself facing a dilemma after veteran guard Derrick Rose underwent another procedure on his right ankle this week.

After previously undergoing ankle surgery in December 2021, Rose underwent a second procedure Friday to address a skin infection, according to an official release from the Knicks.

The good news for Thibodeau was that Rose was reportedly not in pain during practice. However, the 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player was feeling discomfort, the Associated Press reported.

Rose has played just 26 games this season for New York, averaging 12 points and four assists. He suffered an ankle injury on Dec. 16, 2021, when the Knicks won over the Houston Rockets.

For now, there is no clarity on when the 33-year-old can return to action.

Rose's procedure came days after it was reported that Kemba Walker would be sitting out the rest of the season.

While it would make sense for the Knicks to turn to the All-Star guard once again, Thibodeau shot down the possibility of seeing Walker play for the Knicks temporarily until Rose is ready to return, The Athletic reported.

“I don’t think so, no,” Thibodeau replied when he was asked about that option by Fred Katz of The Athletic.

Hence, it will be interesting to see how Thibodeau would buy the three-time All-Star guard time before he can suit up for New York. The Knicks are at 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings and have been struggling to make ends meet.

After a great 2020-21 season, there were high expectations for the Knicks. Julius Randle has hardly been as consistent as he was last year, and this has radiated throughout the roster.

With the Knicks failing to replicate their success last season, speculations that Thibodeau’s job may be in jeopardy have cropped up. His coaching decisions have reportedly been questioned by executive vice president William Wesley, SNY.tv reported.

Regardless, Thibodeau said he does not respond to rumors.

“I talk to Wes all the time,” he said. “I don’t respond to rumors or any of that stuff. I know the drill here. I’ve been here before, so I don’t worry about any of that stuff.”