Derrick Rose: 5 Reasons Why Chicago Bulls Star Is the Best PG in the NBA

Ever since Derrick Rose made his NBA debut, he has been one of the league's best point guards—improving every year, never settling.  Rose is the the kind of person that is never satisfied, like when he challenged the media, saying "Why can't I be the MVP?"

Fourteen games into the 2011-2012 season, Rose is definitively the league's best PG.

 In the past, it was debatable between him and Chris Paul.  Now, Rose is the top dog.

Here are five reasons why.

Scoring

Regular Season Scoring Stats (Career)

Derrick Rose: 20.9 PPG, 46 FG%,

Chris Paul: 18.7 PPG, 47 FG%

Russel Westbrook: 17.8.PPG, 42 FG%

Rajon Rondo: 14.7 PPG, 48 FG%

Steve Nash: 12.5 PPG, 49 FG% 

Tony Parker: 15.9 PPG, 49 FG%

Rose is the main scoring option on the Chicago Bulls.  Yes, he shoots more than the traditional point guard, but No. 1 is anything but traditional.  

Sometimes the leader of the offense must take over the scoring load.     

Behind the Arc: Made-Attempted, 3pt% (2011-12)

Rose:  21-67, 31%          Paul:   10-22, 45%

Westbrook: 6-26, 23%    Rondo: 3-8, 37%

Nash: 12-33, 36%          Tony Parker: 0,0

Rose has admitted practicing three-pointers in the offseason, and it's shown. 

Now defenders pick their poison—give him the jump shot or let him drive the lane.  This new dimension to Rose's game spaces the floor and also makes his teammates better scorers.

Helps Others

Assists (2011-12)

Rose: 8.7

Paul: 8.4

Westbrook: 5.5

Rondo: 10.1

Nash: 10.1

The argument used to be that Derrick Rose is a shoot-first point guard.  Not anymore. 

He is averaging 8.7 assists this season, along with 20.8 PPG. 

Furthermore, he scores or assists on more of his team’s points than any other point guard in the NBA.  When he aggressively slashes toward the basket, the defense breaks down and Rose takes advantage, often dishing the ball while airborne, setting up a teammate for an open shot.    

When Rose is not scoring, he is facilitating. No other point guard requires the same attention, and that’s how he sets up teammates like Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer.

Too Big, Too Strong

Kids, eat your vegetables.

Rose is unique for his size. He is able to go up in the air, take hits and still finish strong at the rim.

That's because he's physically bigger and stronger than any other NBA point guard.  

Chicago Bulls trainers often bump Rose with pads as he drives to simulate physical play under the basket.    

Additionally, the MVP has gotten to the free-throw line more often than any other PG in the NBA. He hits them, too.

Free throws attempted, FT% (2011-12)

Rose: 73, 87%

Rondo: 59, 59%

Westbrook: 66, 78%

Paul: 28, 85%

Nash: 13, 84

Fourth Quarter=MVP Time

Rose's ability to put his team on his shoulders makes him the best PG in the NBA.    

Nearly all of his stats are boosted in the fourth quarter.

For every 48 minutes of "clutch time" (under five minutes in the game and the score within five points) last year, Rose scored 47.8 points. The only player with more was Kobe Bryant with 49.8 points.  

This year, the Bulls have been blowing out teams and he can get some valuable rest.  

It's simple—the PG runs the offense.  The PG must make sure the right players get the ball at the right time.  

Down in the fourth quarter, that player is usually Rose.   

Conclusion

Rose is now the NBA's top dog at the PG position.  

When the Bulls played Boston on Friday, Jeff Van Gundy said this:

"Basketball is simple.  You have to know when to pass and shoot."

This is especially true for the point guard.  Admittedly, Paul and Nash may be better "true" point guards, but as my philosophy professor used to say, "What is truth?"  

Rose has redefined the role of the point guard into the ultimate power position.  

Bottom line—he just brings more to the table.  

Fun fact: Paul has never won against Rose in his NBA career (five games).

NBA Point Guard Rankings

1. Rose

2. Paul

3. Nash 

4. Westbrook

5. Tony Parker