NBA News: Latest On Rose’s Recovery, Suns Extend GM Jones, More

Knicks Could Get Derrick Rose Back Next Month

The struggling New York Knicks will hopefully get Derrick Rose back within a month.

The veteran guard Derrick Rose, recovering from ankle surgery, joined the Knicks for their mini three-game road trip that commenced on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers (a 95-93 loss), per Marc Berman of the New York Post.

There’s no timeline on when he could return from injury, but the hope is that he’ll be back at some point in February.

“I hate to speculate,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said, per Berman. “I know he’s doing everything according to plan and there hasn’t been any setback. The swelling’s all gone and he’s feeling a lot better. That’s the important thing.”

Thibodeau added that Rose hasn’t received the green light to begin running again yet, via Berman. Rose hasn’t been cleared to run yet.

Rose last played for the Knicks on Dec. 16, a 116-103 road win over the Houston Rockets. He underwent ankle surgery eight days later and has been out of action ever since.

In 26 games this season, Rose has averaged 12 points, three rebounds and four assists per contest.

If the postseason started today, the Knicks — who finished as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference a year ago — wouldn’t even qualify for the play-in tournament. 

This year, the Knicks have some of the lowest betting odds of winning the 2022 NBA Championship. Caesars New York is offering customers up to $1,500 in free bets with a minimum $50 deposit.

GM James Jones Signs Extension With Suns

The Phoenix Suns and general manager James Jones have agreed on a multi-year extension.

Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated was given confirmation of the news by Jones himself.

Jones was named the 2021 Executive of the Year after the Suns reached the NBA FInals, where they fell to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. This marked the Suns’ first trip to the finals since 1993.

Some of Jones’ biggest moves include the hiring of head coach Monty Williams (hired in 2019), and the 2020 blockbuster trade of perennial All-Star point guard Chris Paul. In the summer, Jones handed Paul a massive four-year, $120 million extension,

Jones won three NBA Championships as a player on LeBron James-led teams: With the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013 and for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. He played two seasons with the Suns during the glorious Steve Nash era (2005-06 and 2006-07).

The Suns ended an 11-year playoff drought last season, and their thrilling postseason run began with an elimination of the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in the opening round. 

Phoenix boasts the best record in the NBA (37-9 through their first 46 games). Their surprisingly slow 1-3 start is now a distant memory.

76ers Reportedly Unlikely To Deal Ben Simmons Before Deadline

The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to get by without superstar Ben Simmons, who hasn’t played a game this season.

The top selection of the 2016 draft requested a trade in the offseason, but a deal never came close. Simmons has been sidelined the entire season as he continues to focus on his mental health.

According to Shams Charania and Sam Samick of The Athletic (subscription required), the 76ers would rather hold onto Simmons and look to pursue another star player this offseason rather than deal him before the trade deadline.

The report stated that 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey would rather keep Simmons now and include him as part of a “sign-and-trade” deal in the offseason.

Brooklyn Nets superstar James Harden was mentioned as a target of the 76ers. Morey, of course, was in Houston when the Rockets emerged as a powerhouse under Harden’s leadership.

Harden is likely to opt out of his contract, which would make him a free agent in the offseason.

The 76ers finished as the top team in the East a year ago (49-23), but they were upset by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round. Though the 76ers are vying for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the offense simply hasn’t been as explosive without the two-way star.

Needless to say, it’ll be very interesting to see how the Simmons trade saga plays out, and how the 76ers will look to replace him.