Knicks Acquire Jalen Rose & First-Round Draft Choice
Rose, 6-8, 225-pounds, is averaging 12.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 46 games, including 22 starts, for Toronto this season. The 11-year NBA veteran held career averages of 14.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 822 career games for the Nuggets, Pacers, Bulls and Raptors games entering the 2005-06 season. The Detroit, MI-native was the recipient of the 2000 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Award, named to the 1995 NBA All-Rookie Second Team and the recipient of the 2003 Magic Johnson Award by the Professional Basketball Writers Association.
The Knicks will also receive the Denver Nuggets first round pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. The trade now gives New York two first round picks (also have San Antonio’s first round selection).
“The opportunity to acquire a player of Jalen’s talent and skill level was something we could not pass up,” Thomas said. “His vast experience will not only help this team be successful, but he will also aid in the development of our young players. We also added an additional first round selection for this year, which will help us not only now but in the long-term development of our team.”
The 33-year-old swingman has had an extremely productive 2006 for the Raptors. After averaging just 9.6 points, while shooting 36.2-percent from the floor in the first two months of the season, Rose has averaged 17.1 points, on 48.1-percent shooting, since the calendar turned to 2006 over the past 16 games.
“Jalen will be able to jump right into the rotation,” Head Coach Larry Brown said. “His ability to play three different positions and his strong leadership qualities will prove very beneficial for us.”
Davis, 6-9, 245-pounds, has averaged 5.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 20.8 minutes in 36 games, including 31 starts, for the Knicks this season. The 12-year NBA veteran was originally acquired in a four-player trade with the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 4, 2005.
