Link:Rose, 32, is aware his name regularly comes up in trade rumors involving the Knicks. It's also safe to say his minutes are sure to decrease with the arrival of Zach Randolph. Still, while Rose is building a new home in San Antonio, where he spent the best years of his career, he is hoping to keep roots in New York.
"I understand the prospect of if they have to trade me to make the team better," Rose said. "But on the same token, I'd like to stay here. I think we're going in the right direction."
Always refreshingly honest, Rose spoke highly of the Randolph trade and predicted that Randolph would "probably be the best power forward in the East." But he also said the combination of Randolph and Eddy Curry as low-post scorers probably won't be an instant success.
"Everybody will have to make an adjustment, maybe Eddy's will have to be bigger," he said. "Can it happen? I definitely think so. Will it be hard? No doubt. It's going to be difficult because both of them like to post up on the same block."
Rose added, "if anyone can make it work, I really think it's Zeke," in reference to Isiah Thomas. "Zeke's a good motivator, he can make things happen," Rose said. "But it'll be hard."
Considering that neither Curry nor Randolph are known for their defense, Rose has a place on this team because of his savvy as a low-post defender, not to mention his leadership skills.
Rose will work out today with some of the Knicks veterans and Randolph is expected to join them.
Rose said he spent two weeks with Randolph a few years ago in Africa for the Basketball Without Borders program.
"I got a good vibe from him," Rose said. "Hopefully, we can keep him surrounded by us and shield him."
