Another miss from Rose
Back woes bench Derrick again
DENVER — If Derrick Rose continues to be in and out of the lineup with back issues, the Knicks’ pointguard depth will continue to grow into a major concern.
Rose missed his fourth game in the past 10 days Saturday against the Nuggets because of a tight back. During that span, he played only one quarter of another game — at Phoenix on Tuesday.
The Knicks want to make sure when Rose finally returns, it’s for good, meaning they won’t rush him back. Rose hasn’t ruled out playing in Tuesday’s home game against the Pacers but wants to be 100 percent.
“I hate missing [games] but I have to be smart about it,’’ Rose said before the Knicks’ 127-114 loss. “I want to play consistent games instead of playing one game, aggravating something and missing two games. I want to play consistent games. I don’t want to come back too soon.’’
Rose had a relapse against the Suns after he got hit on a lefty layup by Eric Bledsoe and fell on his back. He missed the final three quarters and sat out Thursday at Golden State.
“He’s not 100 percent yet,’’ Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said. “It’s still stiff. If he’s not totally healed, all of a sudden, he’s here for half a game, then has to miss the next game. He felt better Friday. He picked up the pace a little bit more today and realized it’s not good enough to let him perform at his best. So it’s unfortunate.’’
Depth is an issue. Undrafted rookie Ron Baker has solidified the third point-guard role over Sasha Vujacic. Meanwhile, Chasson Randle, the Knicks’ summer-league sensation who got hurt in training camp, wallows in the D-League with Westchester.
Randle posted 38 points Friday against the Texas Legends, making 12 of 19 baskets. According to a source, the Mavericks and 76ers have some interest in Randle, though they don’t have open roster spots. Randle is a free agent, but the Knicks probably would have to cut Mo Ndour to make space.
There was a lot of talk going into training camp about not having a legitimate third point guard if Rose struggled with injuries. Rose played 65 games last season.
Rose said he will get treatment on the five-hour plane ride home.
“I don’t want to take steps back where I felt [in] the Phoenix game I felt good, but it was just a freak accident and I fell on my back again,’’ Rose said. “After today, we have two days to actually get treatment and get ready for the home game. I could really use them.’’
Brandon Jennings, who scored 14 points and added seven assists, has been terrific at quickening the pace in a backup role, but he does not looks to fit as a starter. Baker, pushed into the backup role, was the lone bright spot against the Warriors in the Knicks’ 13-point loss. He played just 12 minutes Saturday night, scoring just four points.
Asked about Jennings’ playground style, Hornacek said: “It’s his game. You have to live with some of the stuff. He may not look the best in terms of our spacing sometimes. He does a great job of penetrating and getting other guys shots. That’s what we want him to do.”
On Friday, Jennings posted on Instagram a photo of a chalkboard sign that read: “No matter how you feel, get up dress up, show up and never give up.”
Some on social media thought Jennings was making a reference to
Carmelo Anthony not playing Thursday against the mighty Warriors in order to rest his sore right shoulder. Jennings denied it on Twitter, tweeting: “Maybe I posted that message because I needed it. Thanks For the message Roger!”
Asked by The Post, Jennings said it was a daily inspirational message from the training staff — nothing about Anthony.
“It was a quote from our trainer,” Jennings said. “He always sends us motivational quotes to keep us motivated.”