Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek said Wednesday night that he doesn't expect Derrick Rose to play in the team's preseason finale Thursday.
He does plan on having Rose prepared for the team's regular season opener against the Cavs on Tuesday. Before that game, however, Hornacek said the offseason acquisition will need to get in plenty of practice sessions to make up for lost time caused by his civil trial on rape allegations.
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"It would've been nice if he was here and played and got in a rhythm with guys," Hornacek said before the game, via ESPN.com. "We do have some days of practice before the first game. Even after the Cleveland game, we'll have time to do things."
As for the rape trial, which was the reason Rose missed most of the preseason, a jury found the point guard not liable Wednesday afternoon.
"It's a tough thing he went through," Hornacek said. "But now it's over. Now he can focus on basketball. I know that's what Derrick wants. ... We're just all glad it's done with, and now he can get back here and focus on basketball."
