Schuster: Derrick Rose Is 1st Half MVP
They don't hand out awards half way through an NBA season but if they did Derrick Rose would be the league's Most Valuable Player. Rose has absolutely lifted the Bulls on his back and has led them to a 31-14 record. And though he hasn't done it by himself, he has done it with both Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer missing extended time with injuries. Yes, there can be arguments for other players such as Dirk Nowitzki, Lebron James and Kevin Durrant but Rose has outshined them and done so almost single handedly.
Let's take a look at the numbers. Currently Rose is in the top ten in both scoring average (24.6) and assists (8.1) while constantly being double, and often, triple teamed. He has upped his averages in both categories from previous seasons and he has also improved his 3 point shot and free throw shooting. He also has greatly improved his defense which is one of the reasons the Bulls lead the league in opponents field goal percentage.
If you take Rose off the Bulls the guess is that they are at best a 500 team, and probably not even that good. It was interesting to hear one of the Cleveland Cavaliers the other night compare Rose to Michael Jordan in the fact that it's like the "Jordan Rules" all over again because Rose is the one guy you have to game plan for.
Lebron has Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to help out while Durrant has Russell Westbrook. A decent case could be made for Nowitzki that while he was out with injury that they went on a losing streak but they kept on losing after he came back.
I know I'm a bit jaded in seeing Rose up close in all his games but I'm also trying to be fair minded and look at the other options and Rose still gets my vote.
I don't know if he'll be able to maintain his pace and leadership in the second half but if the balloting was today there is no question in my mind that Derrick Rose would the leagues MVP.
