Van Gundy: Oak’s jersey should be retired/
OKLAHOMA CITY — Former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy said he hopes the current Charles Oakley saga ends with the retirement of Oakley’s “34’’ jersey to the Garden rafters.
“I’m hoping one day it’s Charles Oakley Day,’’ Van Gundy said before working ESPN’s broadcast of the Knicks’ 116-105 loss to the Thunder on Wednesday night. “I do think his number should be retired. His longevity and accomplishments are warranted, but more so he understands exactly what he meant to that organization and city.”
The Knicks only have retired seven player numbers. With the exception of Patrick Ewing’s No. 33, the others are from one of the franchise’s two title teams (1970, 1973).
The prospect of an Oakley cere- mony is still far, far away. The charges against him for assault, stemming from his Feb. 8 Garden scuffle with security, which ended with his arrest, still stand. Owner James Dolan has lifted the ban and seemingly invited him to return as a guest, but Oakley is holding out for a public apology.
“When [Oakley is] ready, it will be something really, really positive,” Van Gundy said. “Fans will love it. The Knicks organization will be so glad they did it, and Charles will feel honored they took that step.”
Despite lofty stats, Derrick Rose admits to being disappointed in how he has played in his first season with the Knicks. Rose reiterated he feels uncertain about his future because of his expiring contract and the approaching Feb. 23 trade deadline.
Rose has told confidants he is headed to Los Angeles for the All-Star break to unwind, privately happy he didn’t get a nod to play.
If the Knicks stand pat, Rose, averaging 17.7 points, 4.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds, said the playoffs are “reachable.’’
As much as he has been criticized for defensive gaffes, he said he feels most disappointed in his timing and turnovers. Rose, who had three turn- overs against the Thunder, is averaging 2.5 per game — down from his career 2.9 mark. Rose blamed being disjointed partly due to a new offense that is light on pick-and-rolls.
“I hate the way I’m turning the ball over this year,” Rose said. “Everything else is pretty solid.”
Though the Knicks don’t run a fullblown triangle offense, they often come down court in triangle spacing — different from the offense used during Rose’s stint with the Bulls.
“It’s the timing,’’ Rose said.
Backup point guard Brandon Jennings, who has an expiring contract worth just $5 million, was held out with a sore left Achilles tendon. Jennings tore his Achilles two years ago. He said it has been bothering him, though his absence raised eyebrows as the Knicks have considered getting younger at the trade deadline and moving Jennings could be a part of that.
Rookie center Willy Hernangomez will replace the Nuggets’ Emmanuel Mudiay (back injury) on the World Team for the Rising Stars Challenge on All-Star Friday.
Hernangomez made his second straight start on Wednesday at center as Joakim Noah heals from a hamstring injury, scoring eight points with 10 rebounds.