Derrick Rose Carries Bulls On Back: Sure Candidate for NBA MVP

Once again, names like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant are being thrown around for the NBA's MVP. However, the rarely outspoken Derrick Rose is making a valiant case for himself. And why not throw his name in the running?

The 22-year-old point guard, in only his third year, is averaging over 24 points per game, and eight assists. Keep in mind, he doesn't have names like James, Bosh or Wade surrounding him to dish it off to.

Rose has kept his team making an impact atop the Eastern Conference, currently sitting at third, four games behind the Boston Celtics, despite injuries to two key teammates in Joakim Noah and newly acquired Carlos Boozer.

Rose has seemingly risen from the crowd, shockingly to some, but it should not be seen that way.

The Chicago native jumped right into the NBA after one year at Memphis. Despite the lack of a full college experience, Rose became Rookie of the Year. Instead of the much-too-often-seen sophomore letdown, Rose became the first all-star the Bulls have seen since No. 23 roamed the United Center.

The flashy Rose has been creating his own highlight reel all year, weaving in and out of defenders before somehow managing to throw the ball in the hoop, awing crowds, whether it is home or away.

The symbolic No. 1 knows how to take over a game when his teammates are not up to par, including his most recent game against the Michael Jordan-owned Charlotte Bobcats.

Rose dropped 33 points while also adding five rebounds and four assists, while all other four starters combined to contribute 28. Only two other Bulls even managed double-digit points, with Luol Deng scoring 10 and Ronnie Brewer with 12.

The Bulls lost 83-82, but would it have even been close without Rose’s leadership?

Derrick Rose has obviously carried his team through injuries, poor play and tough situations. His humble leadership ability is a rare trait that is coveted by many, and attained by few.

His qualifications for being the MVP are all there, but it’s going to take a few more people to open their eyes for it to happen.

Does any other team depend on a single player more than the Bulls do Rose? That’s what the term, Most Valuable Player is all about, right?