Some players you pat their butts, some players you kick their butts, some players you leave alone.

Rose is describing a pragmatic, individualized approach to managing people—especially athletes—based on temperament and motivation. The “pat” and “kick” are blunt metaphors for positive reinforcement versus tough criticism, while “leave alone” acknowledges that some performers do best without interference. The line reflects a clubhouse culture in which leadership is less about one consistent style and more about reading personalities and applying the right pressure (or none) to get results. It also hints at Rose’s reputation for intensity: he frames motivation in physical, no-nonsense terms, emphasizing outcomes over delicacy.