Grant Hill says Knicks need more pick-and-roll and that they can make the playoffs
Derrick Rose of the New York Knicks passes the ball in the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Derrick Rose isn’t the only one who thinks the Knicks should use the pick-and-roll more often.
Former NBA star and current broadcaster Grant Hill thinks the triangle may not be the best fit for the current Knicks team.
“I like the idea of them incorporating more pick-and-roll and other things into their offense and really taking advantage and maximizing the talent they have,” Hill told Newsday on Wednesday during a phone call to promote Allstate’s NABC Good Works Team.
Rose, the Knicks’ point guard, has expressed his disdain for the triangle as well as his desire to run the pick-and-roll offense more frequently.
Hill spoke about the importance of teammates learning to play together, and how doing so in the right system is key for the Knicks.
“Obviously the triangle is proven successful in years past but you sometimes question the personnel and ‘does it fit the style of play?’” Hill said. “The game has become a lot of pick-and-roll and a guy like Rose has thrived in that. They’re learning how to play together – Rose and Melo. Those are two great players, and you bring new players in, it takes a minute to jell.”
The Knicks’ slow start to the season has been mitigated by their recent success – winners of four straight – and Hill thinks they have a chance in the “wide-open” Eastern Conference. Ultimately, health is the most important factor for the Knicks’ playoff chances, Hill said.
Several players on the Knicks (12-9) have been battling various injuries this season, including Joakim Noah and Courtney Lee. Rose was added to that list when he left Tuesday’s 114-103 win over the Miami Heat with back spasms.
“I think the important thing for them is to stay healthy and continue to try and figure it out and tweak things,” Hill said. “They’re starting to play good basketball and come together a little bit and mesh as a team. They’re in good shape right now. First things first is getting into the playoffs. I think this team with the players they have, if they can stay healthy, that can happen.”
