Hope for the best
Doc: PG can regain MVP form despite risky knees
A couple of Grizzlies seasonticket holders sat courtside Friday at FedEx Forum lamenting how little Derrick Rose has played in Memphis as a pro since leaving the local university.
Rose played one season at the University of Memphis, getting the Tigers to the NCAA championship game (a feat later vacated because of NCAA violations).
When the Knicks notched their 50th loss versus the Grizzlies on Friday, Rose was back in Chicago, rehabbing from his fourth knee surgery Wednesday. In his nine NBA seasons, Rose has been healthy enough to play in Memphis three times, including his 2008-09 rookie year.
As the Knicks wind down a dreadful season with two final Garden games, Sunday at noon against Toronto and Wednesday versus the 76ers, Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek admitted he is unsure when and if Rose will report back to the club.
Rose’s free-agent market value has been damaged by the torn medial meniscus in his left knee. Rose, 28, has had two surgeries on each of his knees and his future as a Knick is murky.
Dr. Armin Tehrany, orthopedist surgeon and knee specialist for Manhattan Orthopedic Care, told The Post the latest injury is wear and tear (degenerative cartilage) — not one specific play. In a phone interview, Dr. Tehrany described Rose as being at definite risk for another knee injury because of his “playing style” and genetics. But he believes Rose can return to his former explosiveness.
However, that gift and attack-the-rim-style that won him 2011 MVP is both a blessing and a curse in Rose’s case.
“If I was a betting man I’d say it happens again,’’ Dr. Tehrany said.
“When I watch him and see how he plays, I think it’s because [of] how incredibly explosive he is,’’ Tehrany added. “He drives to the basket so much. The speed that he’s able to move, his explosive style, that puts a lot more pressure on his knees and his body. That could lead to a breakdown. The mind can be much more powerful than the body. What the mind wants to do and what the body can accommodate unfortunately isn’t the same.”
Rose played in 64 games — two less than last season’s 66. Before last season, however, Rose mostly was out. He missed the entire 2012-13 campaign and most of the 2013-14 season after knee surgeries. Tehrany points to LeBron James, who has a bulldozing style, but has escaped the operating table.
“There’s a genetic ability to be such a great athlete but with that, there’s a possibility of genetically being predisposed to getting injured more easily than someone else,’’ Tehrany said. “It’s important to understand it’s not what he did right or what he did wrong or whether he worked out enough or playing time. It’s something in genetics — luck of the draw. When you get older more injuries makes it more difficult to make a successful comeback [without fur- ther injury] but it has been done.”
Last summer, Rose worked with former Jets trainer Sal Alosi at UCLA and added yoga to his routine. Up until the end, Rose, who averaged 18 points, raved about how good his knees felt across this season, attributing it to Alosi’s regimen.
“No one can question his work ethic,’’ Tehrany said. “That’s very clear. It’s extraordinary. He has the ability to get back to that level.”
But the risk will be significant for another knee mishap and a one-year contract seems in the offing. The Knicks announced he can resume basketball activities in 4-6 weeks.
“He’s quote, unquote an old 28 because he’s been through so many injuries,’’ Tehrany said. “You think about LeBron, early 30s, and he’s very fortunate genetically. I think actually you can argue [Rose] can get back even faster because unfortunately he’s a veteran at rehab, knows the protocol, understands what he has to do and at 28 doesn’t want to give up right now.’’
Rose hasn’t spoken since the announcement, but it was telling about his Knicks future the surgery was performed by his former Bulls surgeon who had did them in the past.
“The patient should go with whom he’s most comfortable with,’’ Tehrany said.