How an email from Tom Thibodeau pushed Derrick Rose to his lowest weight in 14 years

We know who to credit for Derrick Rose arriving shirtless to his first press conference.

“It’s all Thibs’ fault,” the point guard said. “Stop playing with me, stop trying challenge me, sending me emails and that type of s–t. He was on my ass the whole time.”

Rose, 33, was showing off his slimmed-down physique, the reward for cutting out sugar and taking suggestions about his weight personally.

The former MVP, who missed the final four months of last season because of complications with his ankle surgery (more on that later), said he’s down to roughly 194 pounds. It’s about 20 pounds lighter than last year.

Rose said the first email from Thibodeau about his weight was sufficient motivation. But apparently there were follow-ups and player development coach Scott King also sent him a text message.

“One is more than enough, like seriously. Don’t challenge me, bro. Out of all the people, I understand where (Thibodeau) was coming from because he’s a great coach. But I heard it when he first said it, like he mentioned to me, your weight. I’m like, ‘Bruh.’ I got offended in a way,” said Rose, who is now operating at his rookie weight from 2008. “So even though I don’t show it, I take it very personally when somebody challenges me like that. That’s why I’m on this right now.”

Rose was never considered heavy or out of shape, but it’s easy to understand why the Knicks would want him as light as possible after so many lower-body surgeries and lost games. His absence last season contributed to the team’s freefall out of the playoffs, with Rose undergoing minor ankle surgery in December and then suffering an infection at the incision. For the first time Monday, Rose detailed the complication.

He said one of the surgical stitches became infected and “they had to poke me 12 or 14 times to drain it” before cleaning the area.

“Been through a lot,” Rose said, “but I got myself in it and I got myself out of it was just my mentality.”

The issue was exacerbated last season because starting point guard Kemba Walker was ineffective and left the team at the All-Star break. The chemistry of the season prior – when the Knicks shocked the NBA by finishing fourth in the East – dissipated without Rose on the court. Julius Randle experienced the biggest regression, both in play and spirit.

Team president Leon Rose recently labeled Derrick Rose “the heart and soul” of the 2020-21 playoff squad.

“I wouldn’t say I was the heart and soul, but I wanted to win. I can say that,” Derrick Rose said. “I think what this year’s all about is accountability. Like being able to not get in your feelings or taking it personal when somebody comes over and gives you constructive criticism. As a man and as a professional, you’re supposed to understand that. Talk s–t back to each other or you get mad, but you leave it on the court after practice or after that game or after that moment so it doesn’t prolong itself.”

This season, Rose will serve as a backup to a young and durable point guard, Jalen Brunson, who signed a four-year, $104 million contract and will eat up most of the minutes. The circumstances underscore Rose’s elder status.

He knew Brunson as a kid because Brunson’s father, Rick, was an assistant coach with the Bulls during Rose’s peak about a decade ago. Now they’re teammates as the top Knicks point guards.

“To see (Brunson) blossom, it’s cool to look at,” Rose said.

For Rose, the biggest fight has long been about staying on the court. He stopped snacking toward that pursuit – which he admits is more difficult as the father of young children — and was provoked by his coach’s suggestion.

“He saw the way I ate in the past. At the time he was saying it, I knew it was a huge step for me, too,” Rose said. “It was a challenge to go the whole summer, this is the most I ever traveled this summer. Traveling places and being in nice spots and not being able to eat what you want and watching everything you eat, watching carbs and everything, it’s hard.”