A Perfect Rose: Four Ways Derrick Rose Can Bolster His MVP Bid

When he first asked why he couldn't be MVP during the summer, we laughed. Chicago's pride and joy has grown during his time in the league. He came into the NBA a talented point guard with a lightening quick first step. Since that time he has added a mid-range and now a long range jumper. But MVP? That might be a little much to ask from a point guard with a rookie coach and tired legs from playing all summer for Team USA. Over halfway through the season, Derrick is considered the front runner for the big award by many. However, here a few ways Derrick can bolster his bid to be the first MVP on the Bulls since MJ. 

Maintain His Stats

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MIAMI, FL - MARCH 06: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls looks to pass during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 6, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or u

Right Now, Derrick Rose is averaging the perfect point guard numbers, 24 points, and eight assist. For Derrick to become MVP, he needs to maintain his numbers throughout the last few games of the season. If he suddenly has a drop off, which he won’t, but hypothetically, what if Derrick starts averaging 18 points and five assists? He certainly won’t win MVP. But that was hypothetical, Derrick will maintain his states, and certainly is on pace to win MVP.

Less than 10 have maintained this average for an entire season, and Derrick would be joining an elite club. If he were to do so, he would have a candidacy for MVP that few others have had in the history of the league. It would be ludicrous if Derrick did not win the award if he maintains his current stats. 

The Hype Must Continue

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a shot against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center in Washington on February 28, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by down

Derrick’s MVP bid this season has been incredibly hyped up by the media, ever since he casually mentioned before the season started it was a goal of his. When it became apparent that he deserved to be in the conversation, and might even be a front-runner, the media hype has continued. And while it is out of Derrick’s control, the media needs to continue to describe Derrick as the rightful MVP.  Votes are supposed to remain unbiased, but if every article an MVP voter reads states Derrick is MVP, and every show echoes the same, the voter’s minds will be made up for them.

Derrick’s personality and style has never one to be in the spotlight answering questions selfishly. The Bulls locker room consistently mentions what a humble, down to earth guy he is. He will not, by no uncertain terms come out and say he deserves to be MVP. As a result, the media has to do it for him. And to date, they have, but they must continue to so if Rose is to be MVP. 

Big Games on a Big Stage

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WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball against the Washington Wizards at the Verizon Center in Washington on February 28, 2011 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by d

It may seem silly, but how Derrick performs in those games will play a role in whether or not he is MVP. Not all the MVP voters live in Chicago where every game is broadcast. Not all MVP voters have DirectTV NBA League Pass which allows them to watch any game. For many, the only time they can watch the Bulls is when they play on national TV. If the only games voters see are the ones nationally televised and Derrick doesn’t have a good game, he won’t win MVP.

And there is another reason why Derrick must perform well in those games; national televised games are often between some of the best teams in the league. If Derrick doesn’t play well against some of the top teams, again he won’t win. Left on the schedule, the Bulls will play Boston, New York and Orlando on TNT and ABC. Derrick will need to continue to play well against top teams in front of a national audience, and many MVP voters if he is to win the big award.

Beat the Heat

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MIAMI, FL - MARCH 06: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls shoots over Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat during a game at American Airlines Arena on March 6, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading

Too often the MVP goes to the best player on the best team. Other times, the deserving player wins. But when that happens, a common theme is obvious. Last year, the MVP’s team had the best record in the east. It’s a common trend; the MVP is always on one of the top teams in the NBA. Good thing for Derrick Rose then, his team is currently number two in the East. But only by one game, and only since yesterday. The Bulls need to maintain the number two seed in the East for Derrick Rose to win MVP.

The Heat have been incredibly hyped up this season, and everyone, fan or not, knows about the three super friends and the  “decision.” It is obvious the Heat have three super talented players. Heck, Chris Bosh is probably a top 20 player in the league, Dwayne is top 10, and LeBron might be the number one player in the league. The Bulls only have one player who is a definite All Star in Derrick Rose. Any way you slice it, the Heat are much more talented. Yet, if Derrick single handedly leads a less talented team to a better record than the ridiculously talented Heat, people will notice. If the Bulls finish above the Heat, Derrick Rose will be MVP.