Derrick Rose left his hometown of Chicago to become a New York Knick.
“It was an emotional time,” Rose said at Friday’s introductory news conference, adding that Chicago “grew me into the man that I am.”
The Knicks landed Rose, Justin Holiday and a 2017 second-round pick from Chicago on Wednesday for Robin Lopez, Jose Calderon and Jerian Grant.
“I don’t know why I was traded,” Rose said, “but I’d like to tell them thank you.”
Rose will wear No. 25.
“I’m grateful to be here. I feel like they’re going to appreciate me a little bit more.”
It could be the start of a franchise-changing summer for the Knicks. They have more than $30 million to use in free agency beginning July 1 and are eager to put together a competitive team while Anthony, 32, still is in his prime.
Rose said he wants free-agent center Joakim Noah, his former teammate with the Bulls, to join him in New York.
“I want him [here],” Rose said. “He knows that. Everyone knows that.”
Rose said he comes to the Knicks “with the mindset of winning. I just want to win.”
Rose, who is in the final year of his contract, has missed 244 games in the past five seasons. Rose said Friday he believes he can be the same type of MVP player he was before his injuries.
With Al Iannazzone and Barbara Barker
..... - Newsday