NBA 2010-11: Chicago Bulls Guard Derrick Rose Is the MVP of the League So Far

Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls beat the Miami Heat tonight by three points, and were helped by Rose's 34 points.

Even though the Heat were playing without LeBron James, and Chris Bosh who left in the third quarter (both have ankle injuries), the Bulls overcame a 33-point performance by Dwyane Wade to send the Heat to their third straight loss.

Derrick Rose has become an elite NBA player this season, and is a legitimate candidate for the MVP award. 

When Carlos Boozer missed the early part of the season with injury, and with center Joakim Noah currently out with an injury, Rose has stepped up his game with added responsibility.

Rose has handled the scoring and playmaking duties for the Bulls, and has overtaken Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo in All-Star starter voting from the last ballot returns.

Rose is averaging 24.3 points per game and eight assists per game this season, and has done all this playing major minutes, more than he has been accustomed to playing in his brief career.

Saturday's victory vs. the Heat wasn't the only recent game in which Rose came up big. He scored 36 points in an 11-point win against the Celtics last week.

Rose is not afraid of big games, and the difference between the Bulls when he's on the floor, and when he's not is immense.

Chicago is a totally different team when Rose isn't on the floor. Sure, you can say that about most superstar players, but Rose is so vital to the Bulls offense.

Rose is the No. 1 scoring option, the best passer and the leader—three major assets he brings to the Bulls that many players do not give their teams by themselves.

Without Rose, the Bulls are a team struggling for the playoffs. When Noah comes back, and Boozer is feeling fully healthy, the Bulls will be a really tough out in the playoffs.

The Miami Heat have major trouble defending elite point guards, and like Rajon Rondo, Rose kills the Heat in every way.

Derrick Rose has become a complete player this season, and has made the Bulls the third seed in the Eastern Conference even with major players missing significant time.

Rose's time has come, and he is proving he is an MVP candidate now, and will be for a long time.