‘I’m here if you need anything’: Derrick Rose engages in team-building dinner conversation with New York Knicks rookies Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin

Joining the team he once played for, Derrick Rose made sure to build an immediate connection with the two rookies on the Knicks’ roster.

Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in league history, has had a subpar career post his horrific injuries. On Monday morning, the veteran point guard got traded from the Detroit Pistons to the New York Knicks for Dennis Smith Jr. and a future second-round pick.

On Tuesday, rookie Immanuel Quickley disclosed that Rose met with him and Obi Toppin. Rose told them that he would be mentoring them. Quickley also added:

“He just stressed to me — first of all, he gave me his number — said anything I need just hit him. But he sat down with me a little bit, me and Obi actually, just told us he’s here to help us, he’s here to help us grow and things like that. It’s good to get a chance to talk to him a little bit last night.”

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‘It’s something I’m looking forward to’: Immanuel Quickley on learning from Derrick Rose

Immanuel Quickley and Derrick Rose, coincidentally have many similarities. Both of them played for the same coach, John Calipari, in college. When Quickley was talking about his similarities with Rose, he said:

“We both played for the same coach in college. So we shared some similar experiences there, playing for a tough-minded coach. And then we get Coach Thibs rookie year. So a lot of similarities. I get a chance to pick his brain, something I like to do is ask a lot of questions and take notes and feedback and all that stuff. So it should be good.”

Immanuel Quickley seemed to have liked his first chat with his new mentor. He would definitely be spending more time with him, in order to learn certain aspects of the game. The 25th-pick of the 2020 Draft, called Rose ‘the best teacher’. Learning from a former MVP, Quickley stated:

“A 13-year veteran of the league, anytime you can get a chance to pick someone’s brain who’s been through pretty much everything – playoffs, everything, as far as MVP. It’s always a good chance to learn from somebody who has experience. That’s the best teacher as far as picking his brain through everything he’s known about the game. It’s something I’m looking forward to.”

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