LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and even Chris Paul have each generated a significant about of MVP hype, but what about the reigning champion, Derrick Rose?
Despite being hampered by an injured back for most of the season, Rose is averaging 22.7 points, 7.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. His defense has improved as has his ball-control and distribution. He has also led the Bulls to a 33-8 record, the best in the NBA, yet still takes a backseat to the likes of Durant, James, Bryant and Paul.
Chicago has proved that it can win without Rose, but it was hardly easy. His presences spreads the floor and creates opportunities for all of his teammates that they otherwise wouldn’t see. And without him, they don’t have a closer.
There was a time, as recent as last season, when Carmelo Anthony was considered the best closer in the game, but that title now belongs to Rose. When the game’s on the line, and the ball is in his hands, the Bulls are a near lock to prevail.
Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks, Rose was far from at his best. He shot eight of 22 from the field, missed all five of his three-point attempts and turned the ball over four times. But when the Bulls needed him most, Rose came through, at the buzzer, on the road.
Bryant couldn’t overcome off nights to lead the Lakers to victory over the Pistons or Wizards, James has drawn a wealth of criticism for his supposed inability to take the last shot, Durant has developed a penchant for missing key free-throws down the stretch and Paul has struggled to close out games for the Clippers.
And yet, again, they’re the ones who have dominated the MVP ladder thus far.
Rose’s ability to close is an art. Those fall aways are not easy to hit, and with every defender on the floor fully aware that the ball is coming your way, their even hard to create.
The MVP award is often misconstrued as a clear cut competition where the player with the most impressive stat line takes home the honors, but it’s not that simple.
There are others who will score more than Rose, defend better than Rose and are more athletic than Rose, but what other NBA player can lead his team to victory no matter what?
No one, not even Bryant, at least not anymore.
Rose willed his team to victory on Wednesday despite a subpar performance, yet that’s no surprise or even a rarity. It has become the standard.
And that’s why, once again, he is the NBA’s MVP.
Dan Favale is an avid basketball analyst and firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His work can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
