[jcubs55]

I think Derrick Rose is a decent bet to win MVP (this coming from a homer Bulls fan with Rose as his avatar...)

But seriously... the Bulls are now 16-8, and he is the absolute anchor of this team... the guy does everything... no one can stop him from driving, he dishes dimes, gets rebounds, steals, blocks... and now he finally mastered his three-point shot this year... the guy does absolutely everything, not to mention running the offense and controlling the entire game. The next two months will be a testament to how important Rose is to this team now that Noah is out for as many as 10 weeks. With Noah, the Bulls had a small chance to not lose another game until mid-January (seriously, they would've been favored in every game IMO except for maybe Christmas day in MSG, but even that game would've been close to pick 'em. After that their next test is January 8th at home vs Boston but that will be a double revenge spot in Chicago. This 7 game winning streak had a chance to reach 20 with Noah, and the Bulls could have been as many as 10-15 games ahead of 2nd place in the central come mid-January. I think the Bulls will still be a solid team with Noah out (move Boozer over to C and slide Gibson into the PF spot), but Noah was the team's second leader behind Rose, so we will now see Derrick taking full control of the reigns. Let's see what this kid can do!

[wikkidinsane]

I cant wait to see how Boozer performs out the gate

[jcubs55]

I think Derrick Rose is a decent bet to win MVP (this coming from a homer Bulls fan with Rose as his avatar...)

But seriously... the Bulls are now 16-8, and he is the absolute anchor of this team... the guy does everything... no one can stop him from driving, he dishes dimes, gets rebounds, steals, blocks... and now he finally mastered his three-point shot this year... the guy does absolutely everything, not to mention running the offense and controlling the entire game. The next two months will be a testament to how important Rose is to this team now that Noah is out for as many as 10 weeks. With Noah, the Bulls had a small chance to not lose another game until mid-January (seriously, they would've been favored in every game IMO except for maybe Christmas day in MSG, but even that game would've been close to pick 'em. After that their next test is January 8th at home vs Boston but that will be a double revenge spot in Chicago. This 7 game winning streak had a chance to reach 20 with Noah, and the Bulls could have been as many as 10-15 games ahead of 2nd place in the central come mid-January. I think the Bulls will still be a solid team with Noah out (move Boozer over to C and slide Gibson into the PF spot), but Noah was the team's second leader behind Rose, so we will now see Derrick taking full control of the reigns. Let's see what this kid can do!

Beat the Heat (granted they were beat up with no Lebron and Bosh injured in-game, but Rose put up 34 to outduel Wade)... check

A 10-15 game lead in the division by mid January.... check

Road game without Noah AND Boozer??? NO PROBLEM... first career triple-double!!!..... check

The guy is simply insane!!!

[onlooker]

A 10-15 game lead in the division by mid January.... check

One of the two cupcake divisions in the league. The other is the Western-Pacific. 2nd place teams are under .500.

[d2bets]

One of the two cupcake divisions in the league. The other is the Western-Pacific. 2nd place teams are under .500.

Sure, but only 7/41 games were against the division.

Rose is a total freak of nature. He's so driven and focused, it almost seems a little weird and robotic sometimes, when he talks anyways. Dude is all business. I would be shocked if he doesn't win title(s) and if he doesn't it's probably management's fault.

And is Luol Deng the most underrated player in the NBA? Not underpaid, but underrated. He completely dominated Rudy Gay today.

[jcubs55]

Would love to see them end up beating the Heat - that is for sure!

Obliged!! 3-0 Sweep vs. Heat... and it's looking like my prediction is coming into fruition... D Rose EASILY the favorite for MVP as of now

[jcubs55]

Not the EARLIEST of all calls but still while the season was young... so I'll toot my own horn by bumping this one.