Rose: Knicks are 'most talented team' I've played on
Despite being on some talented squads during his days in Chicago, Derrick Rose believes this year's New York Knicks may be the most gifted team he's ever been a part of.
"I think it’s the most talented team I’ve played on, even though I haven’t played with them yet - just looking at the stat sheet, working out with them," Rose told the NBPA's Jared Zwerling. "So my job is to come in and get everybody going, then have my spot where I can try to dominate the game."
While the Knicks' roster is comprised of a number of household names, it's unlikely that New York will be able to top the 62 wins the Bulls reached during Rose's MVP-winning season.
Whether New York is a more talented team or not, Rose appears to be more comfortable with his new squad, noting a large improvement in chemistry compared to his time with the Bulls.
"We never hung out together. We just showed up at training camp, like a couple days before," Rose said. "It’s just about pushing each other, being able to talk trash to one another while you’re working out. It’s that bond. That’s what we’re trying to build at least working out together, trying something different. Last year or eight years straight, we did the same thing and it didn’t get us any championship. But now we’re trying different things and staying positive and pushing each other."
With the preseason just around the corner, Rose is more than enthusiastic for the upcoming campaign, especially considering the love he's received from Knicks faithful since arriving to the Big Apple back in June.
"I was feeling a lot of love," Rose said. "You feel that a little bit in Chicago, but it’s not on that level of New York, so it kind of makes you anxious to actually get on the court. It’s, like, ‘Man, they’re excited that I’m actually there.’ I haven’t even picked up a ball yet, I haven’t made a basket yet, and I can only imagine how they’re going to act when we start winning."
New York's season tips off on Oct. 25 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.