Derrick Rose's situation was actually very similar to Grant's—if anything, even more extreme.
In the 2021–22 season, Rose averaged just 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists, appearing in only 26 games all year. Yet in the following 2022–23 season, he started for his team in 56 games and put up an impressive 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game.
With such an obvious statistical jump, it was hard to say it had nothing to do with playing alongside Chen~~
Like he always said, if a player still couldn't fit alongside Chen Xi...
Then there was only one explanation—he was no longer suited to surviving in this league.
So, back to the question: could Joe develop good chemistry with Chen Xi?
Obviously, that shouldn't have been a question. It should have been a statement.
That said, compared to their on-court chemistry, perhaps what fans should have worried about more was whether the 33-year-old Joe could maintain his availability.
Fortunately, in that regard, Joe at this moment was perhaps in better condition than his counterpart from another world at the same stage.
Thanks to spending a long time playing alongside Durant and Prince in Brooklyn, he had basically alternated between the 2 and 3 positions. Rather than constantly being forced into mismatches, switching onto power forwards, or even occasionally having to hold up against centers.
For one thing, Durant's height and wingspan made him more suitable for handling those less physical power forwards. For another, Prince's presence had also helped take a great deal of pressure off Joe.
All of that had been highly beneficial to maintaining his health.
And after coming to the Knicks, there was even less to worry about.
What did the Knicks lack the least right now? Naturally, wings and big men.
Pressured by Giannis,