Brandon Jennings is starting tonight versus @PelicansNBA – Derrick Rose is not with the team.
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) January 10, 2017
But from that point, word began trickling through that Rose had not contacted Knicks officials to explain any potential absence. Adrian Wojnarowski from The Vertical asserted from sources that even Rose’s teammates were in the dark.
Sources: There are team officials, teammates and close associates unclear of reason for Derrick Rose’s absence for Knicks-Pelicans at MSG.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) January 10, 2017
Sources: At tip-off, Knicks still hadn’t been in contact with Derrick Rose. Unclear if they’ve reached him — or kept trying — during game.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) January 10, 2017
It is very possible Rose could have a legitimate reason for missing game — family-related or otherwise — but that’s yet to be determined.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) January 10, 2017
There is some suggestion that there is major disquiet between Rose and Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek at the moment, stemming from Rose’s fourth quarter benching against Milwaukee.
As you’d expect, sources say Rose was unhappy with fourth quarter benching on Friday in Milwaukee — but unclear if that’s impacted absence.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) January 10, 2017
Update: Derrick Rose and Knicks HC Jeff Hornacek had a “major blowout” after Pacers game Saturday night. Rose’s whereabouts still unknown.
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) January 10, 2017
Following the conclusion of the Pelicans game, which New York lost 110-96, Hornacek fronted media questioning and did not shed any light on the situation.
Hornacek on Derrick Rose: “Right now we don’t have enough information to give you anything.” #NYKvsNOP #Knicks
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 10, 2017
However US media personalities covering the situation as it unfolds have revealed that Rose’s teammate Joakim Noah has spoken to Rose and confirmed the 2010-11 league MVP was physically ok.
Joakim Noah tells reporters that he spoke to Derrick Rose after the game. Says “He’s OK.” Does not elaborate further.
— Chris Mannix (@ChrisMannixYS) January 10, 2017
And, even curiouser still, Frank Isola of the NY Daily News and ESPN is now claiming there are “strong indications” that Rose has left New York City and returned to his home city of Chicago.
There are strong indications that Derrick Rose returned to his hometown of Chicago.
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) January 10, 2017
The whole situation is, quite plainly, very unusual for top-line professional sports. And Rose’s absence is still yet to be formally explained in any way.
