The following article first appeared on BasketballNetwork.net:

Derrick Rose found his new home with the New York Knicks playing for his former coach Tom Thibodeau, while providing his squad with much-needed experience and scoring. After being almost out of the league a few years ago, Rose is motivated and hopes to play in the NBA as long as possible if he remains healthy.

Rose on his future in the NBA

When talking about his future in the NBA, the 33-year-old Rose said he is looking up to NFL quarterback and sports legend Tom Brady as someone who's had an extensive and productive career, particularly in the latter stages.

“I’m going to try to Tom Brady this thing,” Rose told reporters on Thursday. “Play as long as possible, make sure I really take care of my body. And make sure I’m playing with joy.”

What is remarkable about Rose is that he has adapted his game and evolved as a player. When he first got to the NBA with the Chicago Bulls, he was mostly an athletic, pure scorer capable of going off against every team in the league. Now, he understands he no longer needs to do that, and says there are different ways to impact the game for the benefit of his team.

“I don’t have to score 30 points a night anymore to affect the game. I can come out, do what I’ve got to do,” Rose said.

The Knicks are a great fit for Rose

The Knicks are clicking on all cylinders and are currently the top team in the Eastern Conference with a 5-1 record. They have a great balance of young and experienced players, and Rose is aware he is a part of a team that can make some noise — not just in the regular season but also in the playoffs.

“I’ve got a great supporting cast with Ju [Julius Randle] and everything in the starting five, even the guys that are on the bench, we have a great rhythm. I’ve just got to play my game and whatever the game presents I’ve just got to be ready for it," Rose said.

Rose signed a three-year, $43 million deal to return to the Knicks in August, and is currently averaging a bit over 12 points per game, and shooting exceptionally well from the floor (including a 54.2% clip from long distance). It’s great to see Rose doing his thing and having a plan to play in the NBA as long as possible if he remains healthy, which we most certainly hope will happen.

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