There’s an irony to Derrick Rose’s lukewarm view of the triangle. The system offense, antiquated in the view of some players and analytics specialists, doesn’t accentuate the 3-point shot. The spacing leads more so to mid-range shots, low-post attempts and the pinch-post jumper – foul line extended.
With Rose admitting reluctance to shoot the 3-pointer, this system, on some level, would seem to be a more agreeable offense because his mid-range game is solid.
Since Jeff Hornacek said 10 days ago he’s encouraging Rose to shoot more 3s, Rose has taken just two in the five games – both misses. Back in Philly on March 1, Rose was working on the shot, but said he was “saving it for the playoffs.”
That’s as likely as saving it for the NCAA Tournament. All but mathematically eliminated, there will be no playoffs for the Knicks for a fourth straight season. Perhaps Rose should start launching a couple per game. Hornacek raised the issue again before Saturday’s 112-92 loss to the Pistons.
“What he’s done the last few games, he’s reading the defense,’’ Hornacek said. “He’s got to take what the defense gives him, maybe look at taking the occasional 3. He’s not a bad shooter. He can make that shot.”
Told Rose said he is trying to be as efficient as possible, Hornacek countered: “I don’t want him to go shoot 12 of them. Keep teams honest. You talk about efficiency — knocking down 2 of 5 helps his efficiency. If he’s there and feels comfortable, he should take them.’’
Rose repeatedly has said this season the triangle is tougher for him because his whole Bulls career he played in a strictly pick-and-roll offense. He has called the triangle “random basketball,’’ with all the cuts, reads and unpredictability in who is taking the shot.
“I’m building my game up,’’ Rose said. “Early on in the season, I was driving, now taking more mid-range shots. I’m waiting to shoot the 3-ball. Me not shooting the 3 doesn’t mean I can’t adapt to the game. I still find a way.’’
Rose also contended, as explanation, that he hoisted a bunch in Chicago upon his return from his second knee injury and got ripped by the local media.
Shooting 22 percent from 3-point range this season, Rose may be thinking about his efficiency stats with free agency upcoming. He’s a career 29.8 percent 3-point shooter, but this season he’s launched a career-low 59 in 57 games – not counting his 10-game season.
“I’m trying to put pieces of my game together,” Rose said last week. “I’m not shooting 3s yet. Hopefully I’ll start shooting them in the playoffs.”
Hornacek let undrafted rookie point guard Chasson Randle loose in Detroit and all but ignored Ron Baker as they battle for backup-point-guard minutes.
Randle scored 12 points in 19 minutes, shooting 4-of-9 — 4-of-7 from 3-point range. Hornacek praised Randle’s first half. He was on a second-quarter unit that brought the Knicks back into contention but tailed off in the second half on both ends. After leading the club to victory in Orlando last week as a plus-27, Randle didn’t play the next night in Milwaukee.
“This is the NBA,’’ Randle told The Post. “One thing I’ve learned: Expect the unexpected. Have to stay ready no matter what. My job [is] as a professional.’’
The Knicks’ last visit to the suburban Palace was fairly uneventful. In fact, the Detroit experience may not change so much for the club as the Pistons move downtown. NBA teams all stay in the tony, suburban town of Birmingham, Mich. – 20 minutes from Auburn Hills. There’s a push from the league for NBA teams to continue to stay in Birmingham and not downtown next season. The burgh is 35 minutes from downtown.