Derrick Rose, Knicks weirdly seem to have mutual interest

Phil Jackson has not given up on re-signing Derrick Rose despite the point guard’s fourth career knee operation earlier this month.

In surprisingly positive remarks, Jackson said he was impressed with Rose’s attitude in his exit interview Friday and desire to return to the Knicks despite Rose’s stated mixed feelings on the triangle.

Rose is a free agent, and the Knicks can give him a contract extension before the July 1 signing period. Rose met with Jackson on Friday after rehabbing in Chicago from a torn meniscus. He finished the season having played in 64 games.

“We had a good conversation with him today,’’ Jackson said. “He expressed that he wants to be back. We talked about him going through rehab and work and whatever he has to do. And he’s chosen to go back to Chicago to do that. He’ll also be in L.A., but he also took the time out to say he really he enjoyed playing here even with the losses, which of course surprises us because he’s been on some very successful teams. But he wants to redeem himself as a player, which I like that attitude. I like who Derrick represents as himself. He’s very direct about taking on a big challenge.’’

Rose’s stint was also pockmarked by him going AWOL in January for a home game versus New Orleans, failing to inform the team he was headed back to Chicago for family reasons. Rose, too, would seem a major injury risk.

Jackson didn’t bring up his injury and seemed to be over Rose’s bizarre defection, even as he indicated the guard didn’t bolt because of an emergency.

“There was no explanation,’’ Jackson said. “There really wasn’t a story behind that. This was a young man that all of a sudden felt a very definite pull going home to his family and a situation that had been a high-energy, tension situation since August [with his civil sexual assault trial]. That just built up to the point where he went AWOL. He came back and he apologized.”

The prevailing thought is Jackson will take a point guard in the draft with his top-10 lottery pick. Nevertheless, when asked about the need for a point guard, Jackson turned the topic back to Rose, who could be snared on a one-year deal.

“Either the draft or somewhere down the line in free agency,’’ Jackson said. “Derrick has expressed hopes coming back. We have some options. Derrick is a scoring guard first and foremost, organizing, leading, stuff like that is not particularly his strength. As a scorer, he is unparalleled. As someone told me today, he is still a leading guy in scoring in the paint. That says something that this guy is willing to take it in there and challenge.’’

The free-agent point guards include Chris Paul, Jrue Holiday, Jeff Teague, Kyle Lowry and George Hill while the top two in the draft are Lonzo Ball and Markelle Fultz.

Jackson seemed lukewarm when discussing coach Jeff Hornacek’s performance, admitting Hornacek didn’t have complete control of the locker room, saying there was “rebellion.’’ In fact, Jackson saved nicer words for associate coach Kurt Rambis’ expertise.

“Jeff has a good basketball mind,’’ Jackson said. “I think he is amenable to players. He is a young coach. He has only coached, what’s this, two and a half seasons? It is not like he has got a menu of 10 years of coaching. I think he listens. We have good communication going back and forth. I think there is some disconnect at times with this team and I think there is some rebelliousness in this team that created some of the discord during the year and I think that has to stop and that will stop.”

Jackson said he regretted being away from the team during the holidays when the team fell apart.

Jackson wouldn’t admit his mistake yet on signing Joakim Noah for four years, $72 million despite his ineffective play, knee surgery, potential shoulder surgery and a drug suspension.

“He’s 31, still relatively young, there’s a great heart in this guy, he has got passion for the game, his combination with Derrick seemed to be a perfect combination because they teamed well together,’’ Jackson said. “He expresses great dedication towards getting back to what he was and who he is as a basketball player. So, I have to trust him in that.”