NBA Playoffs 2011: Why Isn't Anyone Criticizing Derrick Rose?

Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals saw both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have subpar games by their usual standards.

The public reaction?

Generally speaking, whispers of "overrated" and "chokers" could be heard.

But all of this talk got me wondering. Why has Derrick Rose flown under the radar of hate and criticism?

The MVP of the league, in Game 2, took 23 shots to score 21 points. Attribute it to an off night, of course. Let's be honest, Rose was missing shots he makes in his sleep.

However, this wasn't his only poor shooting night.

Throughout the 2011 playoffs, Rose has shot 41 percent from the field.

Per game, he averages 23 shot attempts, while only converting on nine. This is somewhat disguised by the fact he gets to the line nine times per contest.

The Bulls notably struggled against the Pacers and Hawks, teams I for one expected the Bulls to have no trouble putting away.

In none of the losses, however, was Rose to blame.

Had it of been a player like LeBron having these struggles, there is no doubt in my mind that words like choker would be running rampant.

So why does Rose escape the scrutiny that should accomplish a MVP?

For one, everyone (including me—as a Heat fan), loves the guy. Personally, I hate him as a player (simply because he is a rival), but as a person, you couldn't find a more humble guy, and I think that commands the respect of anyone who comes across him.

His MVP acceptance speech is evidence enough of this.

Link this to his play on the court, and he immediately becomes the unheralded hero of the NBA. The one individual player in the Eastern Conference who has the talent needed to defeat the villains of South Beach.

Less is expected of Rose, to an extent. Far less is expected from Rose than is expected of say, James, Wade or Kobe Bryant.

As a result, Rose seemingly flies under the radar, as all watchful eyes are scrutinizing the play of these aforementioned players.

One question looms, however. How long will it be before Rose joins the ranks of these players, and becomes heavily criticised himself?

Only time will tell.