Because our fearless leader Charlie Tritschler feared that I would delete his wonderful blog (3 more days to free-write friday), I cannot start a debate on his post. So, I may as well start one right here. Let me start out by stating that Derrick Rose is this year's MVP. He is the best player on the best team in the East. He ranks in the top ten in two of the major statistical categories. His Bulls beat the Heat three times this year, and they are the hottest team in the league at this moment. Rose is the MVP.
I watched Rose lead the Bulls past the Milwaukee Bucks from the comfort box seats at the Bradley Center. Rose's cross on Jennings left me speechless.
But....... A Dynasty?
Let me stop you right there. I'm sorry to Jordan and Michael Fant, but the Bulls are going nowhere near the championship this year.
They are the Cleveland Cavaliers of the 2008, 2009, and 2010 season. They are riding the wave of the regular season, following their MVP star and defensive-minded coach to a second or third round knockdown. The Chicago Bulls are faced with the same curse that the Cleveland Cavaliers faced for the last 5 seasons. They do not have the #2 scorer/defender that a team in the East needs to win a championship. Carlos Boozer is an excellent player; however, as shown with the Utah Jazz, he and a stellar point guard won't bring the Finals back to Chicago.
Luol Deng is Parker, Noah bests Hickson (but barely), Korver is the combination of Pavlovic, Gibson, and Szczerbiak. Lebron's talents were only good enough to bring the Cavs to a sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs. I do not foresee Rose bringing the Bulls past the Celtics, Magic, or Heat; let alone the Lakers, Spurs, Thunder, or Mavericks.
Derrick Rose is a truly amazing, one-of-a-kind athlete. However, I just see too many similarities between these Chicago Bulls and my beloved Cleveland Cavaliers of old.
There are two things that I can absolutely guarantee. These NBA playoffs will be something of folklore. The matchups in the divisional, conference, and final rounds will be the best we have seen in a long time.
The other guarantee is that Derrick Rose is the MVP. But, the MVP does not mean he is the best player in the league, and it does not mean the Bulls will even get to the Finals, let alone start another dynasty.
Look at the picture above. This is what Derrick Rose will experience when he steps on to the court in the playoffs. You can't win 1 on 4, no matter if you are the MVP.
-Charlie.
-Charlie.
