Derrick Rose: Could Michael Jordan Defend Him 1-on-1?

Derrick Rose is a beast that almost nobody could defend, but could the masterful Michael Jordan put a stop to D-Rose's flowering offensive powers? 

Both athletes have blessed Chicago with their marvelous abilities: Jordan for 13 years while Rose has just completed his third. MJ gave Chi-town six championships while Rose is well on his way to obtaining some rings of his own. 

But can you imagine a one-on-one battle between these two amazing players? Would Rose use his speed and dribbling abilities to outshine MJ, or would His Airness make Derrick's driving and shooting ineffective? 

These following slides will analyze if No. 1 or No. 23 would have the upper hand in a showdown.

Yes: Jordan Was a Thief

Michael Jordan was a steal master, here seen picking Karl Malone's pocket during Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals.

Michael Jordan would have fit in with Fagin's group of pickpockets from Oliver Twist. 

In his career, Air Jordan stole 2,514 basketballs, good for second all-time on the NBA career list. Only Hall of Fame point guard John Stockton has more with 3,265. 

He would use his tight defense to cause pressure and wait for his offensive opponent to drive or look for a pass. Then, Jordan would strike, steal the ball and score some easy transition points.

Yes: Jordan Was a Blocking Machine

Jordan rejects Hall of Fame Center Patrick Ewing in a playoff game.

Michael Jordan did not only play lock down defense and steal the ball. 

He knew how to block shots, even rejecting taller centers. 

Jordan denied 893 shots in his career, good for 93rd on the NBA all-time list. 

With MJ's hops and three-inch height advantage, he could block one of D-Rose's running layups or post-up jumpers.

Yes: Jordan Was a Lockdown Defender

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

7 Jun 1998: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls passes the ball to Ron Harper #9 for the easy lay up instead of taking the shot as Karl Malone #32 of the Utah Jazz comes to block him from the shot during the NBA Finals game 3 at the United Center in

MJ played one-on-one defense like no other. 

Throughout his esteemed career, Michael was named nine times to the First All-NBA Defensive Team, meaning he was the top defensive shooting guard in the league. 

His Airness also nabbed Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1987-88 because of his blanking presence. He pilfered 3.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per game that season.

No: Rose Has a Great Crossover

Now, D-Rose isn't just an ordinary offensive player. 

He is extremely explosive. 

Even though he is a pass-first point guard, Rose can create his own shot and create open space for himself. 

A big strength of his game is his speed and dribbling ability. He has made many NBA players like Rajon Rondo and Tyreke Evans look like slow gym class students with a blazing crossover, getting him open layup opportunities in the key or baseline. 

Jordan was fast, but Rose seems like a basketball player who could be a sprinter. 

No: Rose Is an Elite Scorer

Ever year in the league, Rose has improved his offensive game. 

He averaged 16.8 points a night as a rookie, 20.8 in his second year and 25.0 points per game last year. 

Despite taking most of the Bulls' shots as their primary scoring threat, D-Rose is a solid shooter, converting 46.8 percent of his field goals during his first three years, only 1.7 percent off Jordan's average his first three seasons. 

Rose also is working on his perimeter shooting, going from 22.2 percent three-point shooting in 2008-09 to 33.2 percent in his MVP season. 

Michael was a great defender, but Rose just plain knows how to take it to the hoop.

No: Rose Is a Great Passer

Coming off an MVP performance in 2010-11 in which he scored 25 points per game, Rose is also an elite passing point guard. 

When he draws double teams, he has a knack for kicking back to an open teammate on the perimeter or going high low to the post for an easy basket by the big men. 

He averaged 7.7 assists a game, including 21 games 10 or more assists. 

That combination of a scoring and passing threat keeps defenders honest, including Jordan.

Conclusion

The hypothetical matchup between MJ and D-Rose would be a wash. 

Rose is such a scoring machine that he would get his points and if his shot was off, he would set up his teammates well. 

However, Michael would do a great job containing Rose, making sure the young MVP would not beat his team. 

What do you think? Feel free to add your thoughts to this article. 

Bob Bajek is a freelance journalist and can be followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/bobbajek.