PHOENIX – Jalen Rose made it to the postseason the past five years, but not as a player.

By completing a deal with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, the 33-year-old veteran playmaker is counting on turning in his microphone and resuming his 12-year chase of an NBA title.

“I told John Salley (of the “Best Damn Sports Show Period,” one of five media outlets Rose has worked for in the playoffs since 2002) my media thing is over,” Rose says. “He’ll have to get out there some and work next year’s playoffs, because I plan on playing.”

The road back to the postseason begins tonight for the 6-8, multiposition talent as the struggling Suns, his sixth team, try to reverse a 1-3 start at the San Antonio Spurs (6 p.m., ESPN)

After the New York Knicks bought out Rose’s $14.5 million contract, the former Michigan star had a choice between signing with the ring-toting Miami Heat or the ring-pursuing Suns.

He chose the Suns, largely, he says, because of their run-and-gun style.

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