Why Bulls' Derrick Rose Has Separated Himself from the Rest of the NBA's Stars

Derrick Rose is special. And all of the NBA and its millions of fans know that.

He electrifies stadiums with high-flying dunks and acrobatic layups, with his no-look passes and his "ankle-breaking" crossovers. Fans admire his improvement in shooting and newfound commitment to defense. All of these are the tangible aspects of Derrick Rose's game.

After the Chicago Bull's 87-86 win over the Miami Heat in South Beach, a game in which Rose had 27 points while being hounded by traps, double teams and the occasional box and one, he walked off the court without a smile. The rest of his club reveled in the victory that gave them the season sweep of Miami and put them in sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference, but Rose was not among them.

In a short post-game interview, Heather Cox of ESPN discussed with Rose why he displayed a long face. Rose explained that the turnover he committed and the air ball that he hoisted up down the stretch were the reasons that the Bulls were even the nerve-racking situation in the first place.

Many stars may have just "went along for the ride" and sugar coated a tough game by basking in the glow of the national spotlight. They may have talked about the atmosphere, or the opponents, making a show out of the spectacle that is the NBA.

But Rose didn't.

Rose is different.

At the ripe of age of 22, Derrick Rose knows what a privilege it is to be in the NBA, and unlike many of his contemporaries, Rose is willing to do whatever it takes to become the best that he can be.

In a recent article on Sports Illustrated's website, Lee Jenkins discussed Rose's summer workouts. According to the article, Rose shot over 1,000 three-pointers per day, and practiced with the intensity that was unparalleled by any other star. It surely has shown this season as he has captured the title of the league's MVP favorite with only 20 games remaining.

Unlike many of the stars in the league, Rose's confidence is not displayed by being a "hot dog" or by tweeting to get attention. His game speaks for himself.

He is the player the NBA needs. One that will revive the "golden years" of the NBA where superstars bought in to coaching, and had the utmost confidence in his teammates. With an unquestioned desire to improve and supreme humility, to go along with god-given talent, Rose will be discussed as the NBA's top player for years to come.

With the playoffs fast approaching, nothing suggests that Rose, who reached the NCAA Finals at Memphis, and won multiple state titles at Simeon Academy in Illinois, will not be poised to bring playoff success back to the Windy City.

Chicago, the city where Rose grew up, often has trouble embracing its star athletes. Take for example Chicago Bear's quarterback Jay Cutler. A phenomenal talent, but his work ethic and heart are often questioned. Whereas Rose, a Chicago native, knows what it takes to win over America's toughest sports fans.

He needs to be the first one in the gym, and the last one to leave.

And Derrick Rose, Chicago's newest son, has put it all together.

No MVP, no All-Star game, nor a triple-doubles will give Rose the gratification of his hard work. What will, though, is to have the Larry O'Brien Trophy in his hands.

And maybe then, Rose will wipe the intensity from his face, and exhale.

But as they say, a taste of success will not satisfy the hunger, and for Rose, this statement will hold true.

Josh Rosenblat is a high School student from Chicago looking to find a way to break into sports journalism. He often writes about the NBA (primarily the Chicago Bulls), as well as the MLB, College Basketball, and the NFL. You can email him at [e-mail] or follow him on twitter @JMRosenblat. Feel free to send him comments.