Derrick Rose

With the NBA Season coming to an end, everyone is in playoff-mode, from the 5 player ejection Lakers-Mavs game, to the Grizzlies hanging on for a playoff berth.  The Spurs are on a 6 game slide and the East is looking like a tighter race for the top spots than it has in years.  In addition to these teams making their final push before the playoffs, the players are also making their push for MVP candidacies.

Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durrant have all made impressive runs for the MVP title.  However, Derrick Rose should be named this season's MVP.  Here's why:

He worked his REAR off this off-season and has come back stronger and more improved.  The Bulls have a +.217 winning change percentage from last season to this season, which leads the league by a lot.  This is in large part due to Derrick Rose.  He has his act together off the court, and on the court he is putting on an act! He is averaging 25 points a game and almost 8 assists per game. 

Despite a new coaching staff this season, he has somehow, in his own unique way, become the leader this team has needed.  He lead his team through thick and thin earlier this season when for two months the Bulls were plagued by injuries.  Rose kept their heads up as they were in survival mode.  Now with the team running on full steam, he is making an impressive push here at the end of the season, preparing the Bulls for a great playoff run.

Finally, and I may be completely wrong here, but Rose could care less about getting the MVP award.  I am sure the thought has crossed his mind a time or two, but he doesn't seem like those players that wants a lot of publicity.  He doesn't get preoccupied with his own numbers, getting on the highlight reel, or dealing with the media.  Again, this is all speculation, but he is someone I like, which is all the more reason for him to be named this seasons MVP.