Why Derrick Rose Is an MVP-Level NBA Player
What are the playing characteristics that make Derrick Rose the best point guard in basketball?
The skills that set Rose apart and make him an MVP-level NBA player are his first step, athleticism, angle-passing and improved shooting range.
Together, they make him the best guard in the NBA.
The First-Step
1 of 4Rose’s calling card is his penetration, which is sparked by the best first-step in basketball.
Often, Rose’s first-step is so fast that it's barely perceptible to the viewer. This allows him to beat his opponent off the dribble and drive right to the rim and make the basket, draw contact and a foul, or both.
Rose came to the NBA with a great first-step, but has refined it since entering the league—in particular, he has gotten much better at drawing contact while driving to the basket.
His ability to get opponents in foul trouble is now one of Chicago’s best weapons in close 4th quarter games.
Athleticism
2 of 4Rose has always been one of the NBA’s most athletic players.
His speed, leaping and ability to contort his body in the lane to make shots is uncanny.
Since coming to the NBA, Rose has learned to harness that athleticism and use it to his advantage on important plays.
For example, when he was a rookie, Rose would drive in the lane, but he did not know how to get prime positioning on an opponent or draw a foul.
Now, he often uses his first step to get off the perimeter, and then utilizes his athleticism to get past or elevate over defenders in the paint.
Together, they make him almost unstoppable.
Angle Passing
3 of 4Rose has improved his passing dramatically since entering the NBA.
He was always unselfish, but as a rookie Rose did not know how to set up opponents or make good, off-angle passes while driving in the lane.
Now, there is no one in the NBA better at drawing a defense, artfully kicking the ball out to the perimeter, passing it off to a slashing wing like Luol Deng or post threat like Joakim Noah.
Combined with his improvement in the pick and roll, this has made Rose one of the NBA’s most cerebral players.
Since he hardly lacks athletic ability, it’s a tough mix to beat.
Range Shooting
4 of 4Rose is still not a great shooter, but his drastic improvement in this area has been critical to his success.
Rose was a terrible shooter as a rookie—average from within 20 feet and hopeless outside of it.
But he worked relentlessly to improve his shooting, particularly from three point range, and is now a good enough shooter that opponents cannot play off him and give him space.
So, the only question left is: how much more dangerous can he become?
