1. I agree Rose is "one" of the best players in the game today...but THE best...? I'm not certain he's in the top 5. He's definitely in the top 10 though.
2. I can't see any scenario where Dwight Howard gets the MVP. Of all the superstars in the league, none are as poorly treated by the officials as he is, an undeniable reason why the Magic are sitting in 4th.
3. Although there may be reasons his field goal percentage is lower than any MVP since Allen Iverson (and will be lower once this season is over), the fact remains his field goal percentage is far beyond, exceedingly lower than the Jordan's and the LeBron's and the Kobe's. LeBron and MJ were shooting well into the 50 percentile when they won their MVP's.
4. If Derrick Rose is the first Bull "since Michael Jordan" to shoot 50% from the field, average 32 points a game and lead his team to 62 or more wins, there will be no question in my mind he deserves the MVP.
5. Free throw shooting comes easier to the Roses and the Nashes than it does for the Shaqs and Chamberlains. Those guys were STILL winning championships and averaging boo-koo ppg, rpg and bpg though.
Rose has nice stats...but nothing like 28 ppg, 9 apg, 5 rpg, 2 spg, etc.
6. That IS a very good point, how well Rose has played against the Miami's and San Antonio's. When I was staring at those stats the other night on the monitor at the gym, there was no question in my mind.
This is a tough one for MVP this year...I can see the points on both sides.
This was a very well-written article. I'm thinking about what you wrote, and again, can see your arguments...
I think I need another week or so...let it marinate.
Thanks for sending this our way. Always a fan, Kush. I love your analysis and am glad you are writing. Your voice belongs in the public (unlike Lewenstein).
