New York Knicks rookie guard Immanuel Quickley is not concerned with the notion Derrick Rose's arrival in the Big Apple will impact his minutes and usage.
Quickley said he is not sure whether head coach Tom Thibodeau intends to play the two guards together, but maintained he would certainly be willing to play alongside Rose:
“I'm a versatile player,” Quickley said, via Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic. “That was something I stressed coming into the draft, that I can play on or off the ball.”
The former Kentucky standout also said he is excited to learn from Rose:
“Any time you can pick somebody’s brain who’s been through pretty much everything—playoffs, everything, as far as MVP … it’s always good to learn from somebody who has experience, that’s the best teacher,” Quickley said, via Reid Goldsmith of The Knicks Wall. “Just picking his brain as far as everything he’s been through, everything he knows about the game is something I’m looking forward to.”
New York acquired Rose from the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, reuniting the former MVP with Thibodeau after the two spent time together both in Chicago with the Bulls and later in Minnesota with the Timberwolves.
While there is familiarity there, however, Rose's arrival begs the question of how Quickley will be used going forward.
Quickley has been one of the clear bright spots for the Knicks early in the 2020-21 season. The No. 25 overall pick is averaging 22.9 points, 5.2 assists and 4.4 rebounds per 36 minutes. He is also shooting over 36 percent from deep on 4.3 attempts per game.
That perimeter shooting ability and shot-creation could make Quickley a viable backcourt partner with Rose if the Knicks go small. New York might also look to trade Elfrid Payton, possibly eliminating clutter in the backcourt.
Regardless, Quickley remains focused on playing winning basketball.
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