NBA Rumors: Jose Calderon Wanted Different Role From New York Knicks

NBA players can sometimes put their egos aside and be self aware. According to the New York Post, Jose Calderon wanted a lesser role with the New York Knicks for the past couple of seasons. The international veteran feels that he was not equipped to be the starting point guard and feels that is why he failed in the role.

For much of last season, most everyone felt that the New York Knicks needed an upgrade at the point guard position if they wanted to be competitive in the NBA. Jose Calderon knew that the fingers were being pointed at him, but he just kept his head down and played as hard as he could.

When the regular season ended, the New York Knicks found themselves on the outside looking into the NBA Playoffs, which was not a surprise even with the rapid rise of rookie Kristaps Porzingis. Knicks President Phil Jackson was even more committed than before to upgrading the back court.

OFFICIAL: Lakers Acquire Jose Calderon – https://t.co/YM69laaIyc

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 8, 2016

Phil Jackson upgraded the back court for the New York Knicks by making a huge trade with the Chicago Bulls, acquiring former NBA MVP Derrick Rose to become his new starting point guard. Though Rose is no longer the player that he used to be, the fan base was excited because management made a big move.

Since Arron Afflalo was no longer a part of the plan for the New York Knicks, Phil Jackson went out and acquired Courtney Lee in free agency. The former Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets shooting guard was considered a great signing for the Knicks because of his ability to play defense and shoot from the three-point line.

Phil Jackson also pulled off a potentially low-risk, high-reward signing in free agency when he convinced Brandon Jennings to join the team on a one-year contract worth approximately $5 million, as reported by Sports Illustrated. Jennings is looking to prove to people in the NBA that he is healthy enough to be an asset again.

With the New York Knicks going in a different direction with their back court, Jose Calderon was shipped out to the Los Angeles Lakers in a salary cap clearing transaction. The Lakers have been looking for a veteran point guard to team up with Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell, two young but very talented players.

Jose Calderon wanting a smaller role will not be an issue with the Los Angeles Lakers. New head coach Luke Walton knows that to ensure the future of the team, he will need to give plenty of playing time to Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell. Calderon is only going to be called upon when needed.

There is a very good chance that Jose Calderon might not even break the rotation for the Los Angeles Lakers. Unless a trade is made between now and the start of the regular season, Lou Williams is expected to be the first guard off the bench. There is also a very good chance that rookie Brandon Ingram will get some minutes at shooting guard as well.

With just one year left on his contract before becoming a free agent next summer, the best move for Jose Calderon is to show that he can be an asset to a franchise without really needing to be on the floor. Doing something like that can convince another NBA coach to add him to the roster for leadership.

Jose Calderon has publicly mentioned that he wants to play another three seasons in the NBA before heading back overseas. He has a chance to prove that he deserves more time by being a leader for the Los Angeles Lakers.

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