After recently attending the Bulls home away from home game in Milwaukee on Saturday night it became evident to why Derrick Rose will be named the league’s most valuable player.
In a sport that plays an 82-game schedule one game is not going to make you MVP, but if you need one performance that certifies such a decision this may very well be the game. The Bucks and Bulls were both playing their second game in as many days so it was to no surprise to see both squads come out lethargic.
Rose took the “pass first” approach in the early going looking to get other teammates involved; especially Noah and Boozer. But, by the end of the first half it became evident if the Bulls were going to pull away a D-Rose surge would be required.
Bucks forward Carlos Delfino helped stifle a Chicago run as he connected on 5 of 7 from downtown. A former Bull, John Salmons, also contributed 25 points to the Bucks effort.
The Bulls needed Rose to take control of the game and that’s exactly what he did. Rose scored 8 points and assisted on two baskets in the game’s final three minutes. That brought Rose’s stat line to 30 points and 17 assists for the contest (only the 3rd Bull to do so, first since MJ 89’). He surged the Bulls to a 12-0 run to end the game; and the hopes of a Bucks victory.
I’m not willing to say Derrick Rose is the NBA’s best player, but find me a player more deserving of the MVP? It simply can’t be done. Rose is averaging 25 points and 8 assists per (the only player in the top ten in both categories); however the category that brings him above the rest has no stat, drive.
Michael Jordan was a freak athlete sure, but what made him the best was his drive and determination. He had the drive to win at everything from monopoly to NBA titles; along with the determination to put the work in to reach such feats. Rose has also displayed these traits. Evolving his game from an athlete into a complete player in just a few short years and has gained the label of “gym rat”.
Hearing “MVP” chanted Saturday as much as “Jerry” during the Jerry Springer show became both redundant and annoying at times. This made me ponder, what does Rose think of the chants? When asked about his accomplishments after the game he responded, “I haven’t done $#!@!” Sounds like a player determined and driven to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy this June. What do you think LeBron would have said?
Maybe Bret Michaels was wrong, every “rose” doesn’t have a thorn? But every Dynasty has a MVP.
