NBA: 10 Players Who Must Prove Themselves In 2016-17

Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) reacts during the second half of Tuesday night
Apr 5, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) reacts during the second half of Tuesday night
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Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribbles the ball as Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) defends during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) dribbles the ball as Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson (0) defends during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Rose, New York Knicks

It’s still weird. Derrick Rose is now a Knick. And as he prepares for his big free agency summer, Rose has a ton to prove this season. For one, he needs to prove that he can still be that effective starting point guard that I’m sure he believes he still is.

And two, he needs to continue to prove that he can remain healthy. If he can do those two things this season with the Knicks, along with leading them back to the NBA playoffs, then his huge payday will come next summer.

Though, those are two big “ifs”. Rose needs to have his best season since his knee injuries. In all fairness, I’m not sure how realistic that is.

If nothing else, though, he just can’t be bad.

Next: A Familiar Teammate