Leon Rose is the most popular man in New York right now after an incredible start to the NBA Playoffs.
There is a lot of credit to go around for the New York Knicks surging into a 2-0 lead over Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.
Another Knicks comeback stunned TD Garden, and head coach Tom Thibodeau deserves all the praise along with his players.
Jalen Brunson has led the offense, hailed as the best player in the playoffs, while two incredible defensive plays from Mikal Bridges have clinched both games.
With big performances from OG Anunoby, Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart too, there has been increased praise reserved for the man who put the roster together, Leon Rose.
New York Knicks fans have come a long way from the doldrums of the James Dolan era that saw the team struggle no matter what they tried.
Leon Rose became Knicks president in 2020 and has masterminded the creation of the Knicks team currently taking down the Boston Celtics.
Rose has been aggressive in the trade market, striking a deal for OG Anunoby in December 2023, before a mega-move for Mikal Bridges in 2024.
Even though even some Knicks players feel the price constituted overpayment in terms of market value, there can be no arguing the impact Bridges has had in the playoffs.
And before the season began, the biggest swing of all, trading away Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Knicks put together a 51-win regular season but struggled against elite teams, before laboring through their playoff series with the Detroit Pistons. Now up against the Celtics, it is all coming together, and Rose is being lauded.
“This is what Leon Rose envisioned when he made these trades. Absolute Masterclass,” one fan wrote on X.
“Go give Leon Rose his executive of the year award,” another demanded.
A third added: “I loved the Knicks for about as long as I can remember. What Leon Rose, Thibs, Brunson & Hart have done for this franchise is culture changing.”
“Leon Rose literally envisioned this,” another wrote, while another added: “Leon Rose I’m sorry for ever doubting you Mikal and KAT were the final pieces you were right”
Another impressed fan added: “Leon Rose is the MVP,” paying tribute to his impact on this team’s run.
The Knicks have to follow their two wins in TD Garden up by consolidating with victories at home, and that’s easier said than done considering the Celtics’ impressive road record.
A collapse would put a negative spin on the Knicks season, but what they have achieved in these playoffs already is a credit to the franchise.
Despite the calls it is too late for Leon Rose to win the Executive of the Year Award, with OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti scooping the honor.
Rose did receive votes, but only a minimal amount. And really he was deserving of a lot more after seeing the Knicks come together.
