Of the 10 players to be announced as starters this year, eight of them were starters last season. Amar’e Stoudemire started at forward for the East last season but was replaced this year by teammate Carmelo Anthony. Anthony, who started for the West last season, was replaced by first timer Blake Griffin this year. The retirement of Yao Ming also opened a starting spot which was filled by Lakers center Andrew Bynum.

He also dismissed the circulated rumors of him privately urging management to pursue trading Carlos Boozer for Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol. “I heard it after the game [on Monday] and that’s something that I wouldn’t say to anyone,” said Rose. “It was all false and that’s something I’ll never do. I’m good with the teammates that I have. I’ve always been saying that. We’ve been winning games and we’re not in the position to look to trade anyone right now. “I talked to [Boozer] a little bit, but I think he already knew that [the rumor] was false,” continued Rose. “It’s something that I wouldn’t do to anyone. It was all false.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Perception is reality.

And the perception outside the Chicago Bulls’ locker room is that 2011 MVP and franchise face Derrick Rose quietly, or not so quietly, asked management to acquire Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol.

Gasol, if acquired, would help. He’d provide scoring and passing down-low -something Carlos Boozer has failed to do since signing with the Bulls.

Here’s the problem: the Bulls would have to give-up Boozer to get Gasol.

Rose and Boozer know this. And these two know they must work together.

So, Rose has to cover himself by publicly denying the rumour to reporters and saying he’s good with his current teammates like Boozer.

Privately, something different could have been said between Rose and Bulls management.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Y! Source: Derrick Rose, Adidas agree on 13 year deal that could pay the NBA's MVP over $200 million.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s not bad work -if you can get it.

Earlier this year, Derrick Rose, the franchise face of the Chicago Bulls and 2011 MVP, signed a multi-year extension for $95 million,

Now reports are surfacing that Adidas will pay Rose $185 million to be their lead spokesperson over the next 13 years. Yes, one company will pay the exciting table-setter $14 million per annum.

Again, not bad work if you can get it.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Chicago Bulls are exploring avenues to acquire Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol before Thursday's trade deadline, according to sources close to the situation.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Years ago, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies and then went on to win consecutive championships.

Perhaps the Spanish post will be the missing piece for the impressive Chicago Bulls. The Bulls reportedly want the skilled Gasol to complement 2011 MVP Derrick Rose.

And they’d be willing to sacrifice Carlos Boozer to get the perennial All-Star. But what’s in this trade for the Lakers?

Well, the Lakers aren’t interested in a straight Gasol for Boozer swap, so the Bulls are calling the league trying to find a third team to involve.

Of course, the clock is ticking. Thursday at noon eastern is the trade deadline.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Which suggests that the Bulls, if they're that high on Pau, are bound to try to trade for him again. Nor have they abandoned hope of courting Dwight Howard via trade, sources said, despite Howard's longstanding coolness toward the idea of relocating to Chicago and the extra season he just committed to Orlando by opting in for the 2012-13 season.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick: The Chicago Bulls make the most sense -if Dwight Howard wants a championship.

The Bulls have Derrick Rose, the 2011 regular season MVP and a premier NBA player. And Rose, who is in his early 20s, will get even better.

Bottom line: the athletic point guard is exactly the kind of co-superstar Howard has been searching for.  Yet, he kyboshed any chance of joining the Bulls when he declared he wasn’t interested in a 'Windy City' partnership.

The reason: nobody knows -including Howard, himself.

Initially, there was speculation Adidas, who sponsor Howard and Rose, discouraged a Bulls-Magic trade because they didn’t want their two biggest names in one market. There was also speculation the Bulls couldn’t put together a package that suited the Magic.

However, the most likely scenario is that Howard’s flip-flopping alienated the Bulls and Magic -making a blockbuster deal between these eastern powers impossible.

For a Bulls-Magic trade to occur, Howard has to get past his indecision and decide what he wants.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

“Coaches and players have been doing this for years, you just happened to see this play out in the public,” Smith said. “To the organization’s credit, Stan Van Gundy is still our coach and Dwight Howard is still our player and we’re still trying to win basketball games.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: What else can Otis Smith say?

In order to salvage the Orlando Magic’s season, Smith must downplay the rift between coach Stan Van Gundy and superstar Dwight Howard.

It may be too little, too late.

Clearly, Howard has owner Rich Devos’ ear. And if the club wants to sign Howard to an extension then Smith and Van Gundy may get pink-slipped.

For most, such a dynamic would be difficult, but Van Gundy is used to getting knifed in the back. Remember, Pat Riley crossed him with the Miami Heat, coming out of the executive suite to ‘take over’ for Van Gundy.

So expect the Magic to keep chugging along. But beating LeBron James’ Heat and Derrick Rose’s Bulls will be tough, if not impossible, with such a cloud hanging over the organization.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

“I’m definitely sick of taking hard hits,” Griffin said after the Clippers’ shootaround Monday. “…There’s a point, I can’t remember what game it was, in my mind where I thought this is kind of ridiculous. I’m sick of it, but it’s going to keep on happening.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Yesterday it was Derrick Rose. Today it`s Blake Griffin.

Two of the NBA’s greatest stars have recently gone public with their frustration over the hard fouls they’ve sustained from opponents. Rose took a nasty knock from Charlie Villanueva, while Griffin was head-hunted by Jason Smith.

Both should get used to the rough stuff. After all, superstars who embarrass opponents are targets. That’s the way it has been. And that’s the way it always will be.

Fortunately, there’s a simple answer.

Their teammates must dish out what they’ve been receiving. If Rose or Griffin take a shot then the Bulls and Clippers must give it back at the earliest opportunity possible.

The cheap shots only stop when opponents understand there’s a price to pay for taking liberties on Rose and Griffin. 

The earlier this message is sent, the better.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe's got the sneak peak at the "Return of D Rose" Documentary.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Derrick Rose will return better than ever.

April 28th, 2012 is a day Derrick Rose and Bulls fans will never forget. With only 1 minute left in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs against the 76ers and the Bulls leading by 12 points, Rose tore his ACL on a insignificant jumpshot. 

“I remember it. I remember everything,” said Rose. “I remember jumping in the air and coming back down and just that popping sound. I felt it tear when I laid all the way out and it just let go.”

The second his ACL tore, the entire NBA playoffs changed. The Bulls were essentially out of the hunt for a ring and Rose's season was over. 

Now, adidas Basketball is tracking Derrick Rose's return to the NBA with a multi-episode documentary. The documentary will reportedly give fans a behind-the-scenes look at his recovery. Something like this has never been done before, so it will be interesting to see how much access the documentary shows. We've got the trailer below. It looks to be one party documentary, one party humility, and one party inspiration. Definitely keep your eye out for the full series of episodes. 

For more info, updates, and future episodes follow @HoopsVibe.

The Return of DRose Episode 1 "Belief"

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: The road back from an ACL tear isn't easy, but D Rose shows us what it takes to be the best.

Derrick Rose puts his celebrity status to good use. 

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Rose prays for the US as he sides with the kids.

adidas launches the new D Rose 3 basketball shoe with new logo and apparel collection.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Even injured D Rose has some of the coolest kicks on the court.

Adidas launches the new D Rose 3s on Derrick's 24th Birthday

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: These kicks look good, feel good, and are possibly the dopest kicks to drop all summer. How do I know? I'm wearing mine right now and loving 'em.

October 4th was a big day for Derrick Rose. He turned 24, celebrated the launch of his latest custom kicks (the D Rose 3s), and he continued to share the journey of his rehab through his documentary "The Return of D Rose" episode 4. First things first, check out the official commercial for the D Rose 3 launch below.

Derrick's new shoe hits stores worldwide Oct 4 and are expected to sell faster than an Urban Outfitters t-shirt of Obama dunking over Romney. Derrick's absence from the court hasn't diminished his popularity or the cool factor of his latest kicks. These aren't just another pair of cool basketball shoes. These things are sweet. Derrick even broke down a little bit during the launch stating, "The D Rose 3 signature collection is special to me because I worked side-by-side with adidas on everything from materials to fit to colors to make it the best we've done yet. I love the new logo that calls out the most important things to me: my family, basketball and the city of Chicago."

The D Rose 3s come in an option of colorways, but my personal favorite is the black ones Derrick's holding in the pic above (also in the title pic at the top).  The speckled sole, rear placement of the adidas logo, and glistening leather give it both a fresh and modern blacktop vibe. Be prepared to catch streetballers and celebs wearing these bad boys asap. The complete set of D Rose 3 gear can be seen below. Everything from socks, caps, shorts, shirts, kicks, and sweatshirts are decked out in Rose's custom logo. This is one box of goodies Santa should definitely get you the hookup on. If you can wait that long.

The whole concept behind the D Rose 3s is "The Return." This is a campaign that's been going on for adidas and Rose since August 15th. This documentary series follows Derrick through his rehabilitation and charts his return to dominance in the NBA. The 4th episode is below. Check it out.

As a basketball fan first, I for one am pulling for D Rose and part of "The Return." Rose is one of the humblest and kindest players both on and off the court. In a league of posers, posturing, and over-hyped egos, he is the exception to the rule. He is a true class act that works hard for his success and appreciates everything that comes his way. We look forward to seeing Rose on the blacktop soon and until he is, we'll enjoy his fashion forward kicks.

For more info, updates, and gossip follow @HoopsVibe.

Photo Credit: adizero

Looking at the current NBA player injury report, it almost seems like every team is missing one (or in some unfortunate cases, a few) key players.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Injuries certainly aren't ideal, but every team has to deal with them.

Here are few that are currently being dealt with:

Avery Bradley, shoulder, Boston Celtics

According to reports, Bradley will be out for another few weeks, at least until mid-December.  While he's currently traveling with the team and working on his jump shot during warmups, he is not participating in full contact drills.  The Celtics can't wait to get Bradley back, as he's earned a reputation for being an extremely talented perimeter defender.

Derrick Rose, knee, Chicago Bulls

After suffering that gruesome slash heartbreaking knee injury in the first round of the playoffs last year, (an injury that essentially took them out of NBA Finals contention), Rose is still in recovery mode.  He's set to return mid-January but due to the nature of his injury, will take more time to heal if necessary.  As much as the Bulls want their franchise player back in the lineup, they are not going to rush his recovery.  The good news is Rose just recently began cutting in practice.  The bad news is, with Rose out this season, the Bulls are below .500 at 6-7.

Kyrie Irving, finger, Cleveland Cavaliers

We all remember the freak accident that resulted in a broken hand for Irving earlier this preseason.  If you don't, he made an errant pass in a game, was mad at himself, and punched a wall.  We've all been there, right?  Well, unfortunately, a freak accident found him with a broken finger recently and will have him out until late December.  "Freak injury, minor setback but ill be back soon everybody, Love the support" Irving tweeted.

Dirk Nowitzki, knee, Dallas Mavericks

The three point shooting seven footer, who hasn't played in a game yet this season, will continue to be a spectator for another few weeks due to a knee injury.  Dirk is set to make his return to the lineup sometime in mid-December and Mavs owner Mark Cuban probably can't wait given the fact Nowitzki averaged more than 21 points per game last year.

Danny Granger, knee, Indiana Pacers

There's no question this injury hurts Indiana; Granger was the Pacers leading scorer before being sidelined after having an injection three weeks ago to treat patellar tendinosis.  The Pacers better get used to life without Granger, as he isn't scheduled to return until mid-February.

Chauncey Billups, achilles, Los Angeles Clippers

By the way the Clippers have been playing, you might not have even noticed they've been balling without Chauncey Billups in the lineup.  Chauncey is almost done rehabbing an injured achilles and is planning on being back in action mid-December which means the Clips are about to get even better.  I'm sure in the meantime, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will continue to have everything under control.

Steve Nash, leg, Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers probably didn't foresee Steve Nash getting injured within the first few games of the season when they traded for him a few months back.  Then again, the 38 year old is getting any younger.  Nash is set to return by mid-December and knowing how much the veteran point guard will help their team, the Lakers can't wait.  "When Steve comes back, things will change.  You have one of the greatest point guards of all times that you're missing out of the lineup.  It changes things," said superstar teammate Kobe Bryant.  Even new Lakers coach, Mike D'Antoni, who coached Nash for many years in Phoenix highlighted his importance in the lineup.  "In Phoenix, we couldn't win without him," D'Antoni admitted.

Shane Battier, knee, Miami Heat

While Battier might not be one of the most talked about players on the Miami Heat, no one doubts his immense contribution night in-night out.  Battier is an amazing defender and hits the open three.  Thankfully to his teammates, his recent knee injury will only have him missing a few games; Battier should be back early to mid-December.

Chase Budinger, Brandon Roy, Ricky Rubio, all knee injuries, Minnesota Timberwolves

At this point, it's almost as if you should be careful going to play in Minnesota because you might hurt your knee.  All three players, Budinger, Roy and Rubio are currently sidelined with versions of knee injuries.  Budinger will be out until March but thankfully, Roy and Rubio should return mid-December.  Let's hope.

Amare Stoudemire, Baron Davis, knee injuries, New York Knicks

It's pretty amazing how well the Knicks have been playing with Carmelo Anthony at the helm and Stoudemire and Davis both out with injuries.  Davis will unfortunately be out for the season but Stoudemire is set to return mid-December.  How will the Knicks work Stoudemire into the rotation when the team is 9-4 without him?  It will definitely be interesting to see what happens with Amare on the court.

Andrew Bynum, knee, Philadelphia 76ers

Just when I thought Bynum would go to Philadelphia and grow into the best center in the league, he injured his knee.  Again.  And then he went bowling, and got injured again.  He's got all of the talent in the world but can't seem to stay healthy.  Barring any further bowling incidents, a healthy Bynum will be in the lineup by the end of December.  Fingers crossed, Philadelphians.

John Wall, knee, Washington Wizards

If there's one team in the NBA who truly cannot afford an injury right now, it's the Wizards.  They are currently 0-12 and their star player, Wall, is sitting on the bench with knee injury.  The good news?  Wall is supposed to be back by the end of this month and there's only one way for the Wizards to go from here.

Anthony Davis, ankle, New Orleans Hornets

A stress fracture in Davis' ankle isn't helping the Hornets one bit.  The team is currently 3-9 on the season.  Davis played the first six games and put up huge numbers, averaging 16 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.  Pretty remarkable for a freshman.  What's also remarkable is how much of an impact he's had because the Hornets haven't won without him.  Since his injury, they are 0-6.  Davis is said to be out until mid-December.

The Los Angeles Lakers have waited long enough for Steve Nash's return and it's been reported that the wait is almost over.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  As great of a point guard Nash is, I'm not sure he's going to be the Lakers' savior this season.

Derrick Rose just recently bought his fiance a $9 million mansion.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Christmas came early in the Rose household.

Adidas drops the new D Rose 3.5 signature shoe.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Damn, Rose is a force like 2Pac. He drops more product when he's coming back from injury than 99% of most players do in their prime. DRose's presence is always felt.

"The Return" may be closer than we thought.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Who would've thought the Bulls would've done so well without him?

Most people had never heard of Reggie Rose prior to Thursday.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: And now that it's Thursday night, hopefully, he can drift back into obscurity- starting tomorrow.

Gotta love that it's Friday!

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  What a better way to kick off the weekend than with three top NBA stories in Hoopsvibe's Workweek Wrap-Up?!

The D Rose ACL saga continues.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: At least this time we are hearing it straight from his mouth and not his brother's.

In the most recent data gathered, Lebron James topped the list of the NBA's most popular jerseys.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Here is the list of the top 5 most popular NBA jerseys.

Bo knows rehab.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: If anyone is qualified to have an opinion on the return of D Rose, It's Bo Jackson.

Top 5 reasons Derrick Rose shouldn't return this season.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Everyone want to see DRose back on the court, but at this point in the season he should probably just sit it out.

#5 Disrupt Chicago's Flow: Chicago is currently 5th in the Eastern Conference with a clinched playoff birth. I'm sure they'd be in the top 2 or 3 if Rose was playing, but Chicago is still a dangerous team and has proven they can beat top teams (ending Miami's 27 game win streak) even without Rose. His return at this point wouldn't help them finish the year strong, it would only disrupt whatever continuity and offensive flow they've taken the year to establish.

#4 Not Game Ready: Rose has been out almost a year. I know he's been practicing and feels great, but the reality is you are only truly in shape to play ball, by playing ball. Rose isn't in the shape he needs to be in to compete at playoff level NBA ball. It would take most player at least a couple weeks of games to get their legs back and with the playoff almost upon us, not isn't the time.

#3 Unrealistic Expectations: People are expecting DRose to swoop in and be the same player he was before his injury. He may never be that player again. If he does regain his former form, it may take time. Throwing him into the NBA playoffs and expecting him to save Chicago's season is unfair. He needs more time to come back gradually. Just let this season go and let him come back full strength next year.

#2 Not Mentally Ready: Rose has told the press he still doesn't "feel" ready. If a player doesn't feel confident with his body he should be on the court. Give, Rose may only ever get ready by getting back in the game, but his mental preparedness is key to his return. If his mind doesn't believe he's ready to be back, his effectiveness and susceptibility to injury should be concerns. 

#1 Risk Injury: Chicago and Rose need to think of the big picture. His return for the last few games of the regular season and a playoff run that will likely be stopped in either the first or second round isn't worth the risk. Let Rose continue to rehab over the spring and summer, coming back completely confident in his ACL next season. Why risk it?

After every NBA season, thanks to the gift of hindsight, it's easy to point out the biggest letdowns of the year.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: There are no shortage of candidates for this list. 

“Me and Dwight definitely have a relationship, especially because of adidas. I know our market and the city speaks for itself, if someone was interested to come to the Chicago Bulls,” Rose said of the Magic’s All-Star center. “Dwight, he’s a great player. Who wouldn’t want to play with him, but you never know what’s going to happen.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwight Howard will have options. All he has to do is take a pay cut.

The All-Star center for the Orlando Magic can opt-out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent July 1st.

Naturally, the rumor mill has been working overtime.

Howard was initially linked to the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and New Jersey Nets. Then it was the Boston Celtics. Now it’s the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls are appealing because they have the 2011 Most Valuable Player in Derrick Rose, and currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings.

Problem is, they already have Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, who are slated to earn a combined $27 million per year.

And with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, it might be difficult for the Bulls, or any team, to find the cap space to sign Howard or find a taker for Boozer and/or Noah.

Of course, the Magic can offer $30 million more than other teams, so Howard is free to leav Orlando - but he`ll have to take far less money.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

 

Derrick Rose recently said that the current NBA lockout is “not our fault.” That makes sense. He is a player. He is a part of the Player’s Union. Captain Obvious is obvious. Why would he state something that does not need to be said? It’s not just Rose, but for the rest of the players. This generic statement is an easy statement to make. We understand the need to put blame on someone. Someone has to go down. Upon further examination, is the blame truly on the owners? 

The Quick Hit: It’s not exactly a ‘Clash of the Titans’.

On Sunday afternoon, the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors will square off at Air Canada Centre. Both teams are tied for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. And both teams are over-hyping the significance of this weekend’s tilt.

 Your 2011 NBA All-Star Game starters, as voted by the fans and announced by the NBA are below. The game will be played in Los Angeles on February 20.

Who said that Derrick Rose’s Chicago Bulls were one player away from winning the title? Anyone saying this over and over again is wrong. What makes you think this? What makes you feel this? The Bulls lack a quality shooting guard. That is true, but that does not make them just one player away. When was the last time this was said about another team? Did LeBron in Cleveland need one more player? What about Dirk’s team or Kobe when the Lakers got Pau?

Magic Johnson was a triple double machine 6-9 point guard. There will not be any one reaching “NEAR” Michael Jordan level anytime soon, but is there anyone who can reach near Magic Johnson? Magic has 138 career triple doubles in the regular season and 30 triple doubles in the playoffs from a career 190 playoff games. His career averages are 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 11.2 assists. Those are ridiculous numbers for anyone to obtain. What players today have the skills to do that?

ChrisBosh-“We’re still the best team in the league You’re going to have to go through things like this Things aren’t always going to go well.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Chris Bosh is right. Well, sort of.

His Miami Heat are the NBA’s best team, but aren’t playing like it. The Chicago Bulls, the Heat’s rivals in the competitive Eastern Conference, are.

To be fair, the Heat are 8-4 because they went through a brutal west coast swing without All-World guard and closer Dwyane Wade. A little rest, a healthy Wade, and the Heat climb the standings.

Meanwhile, the Bulls sit atop the entire league with a 12-2 record because of stellar defense and continued fine play from reigning MVP Derrick Rose.

Right now, the Bulls have the edge. Here’s the question: could the Bulls beat the Heat, provided The Big Three are healthy, in a best-of-seven playoff series?

The answer: probably not.

The Heat are virtually unbeatable -if Bosh, LeBron James, and Wade are at their best.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The big network has already raised the question and shot it down without much debate. Can Derrick Rose repeat as the league MVP in the new season after the lockout? Can the kid become the third point guard to do it? How? News flash – He earned the 2010-2011 MVP when everyone wrote him off. You guys are writing him off again? I get it. The 2011 playoffs were bad for him during the fourth quarter. He didn’t choke. Rose just did not shoot well.

No. This is not an attempt to compare any of these guys to Michael Jordan. Nope. That has been beaten, raped, and pillaged to hell and back. This is more of an examination of the talent today that might have a chance to reach Jordan’s status. They are obviously not him and will not surpass him either. The goal is ridiculous anyway. However, getting close to Jordan is possible. It’s not out of the question. 

The 2011 NBA Draft is done. Did your team get what they wanted? This particular draft was all about needs. There were many international players from all over the place. A lot of teams did not get what they wanted according to their fan bases. Rumored trades, and other stuff we don’t know, did not go down because of the uncertainty around the new collective bargaining agreement. This is completely understandable unless you are David Kahn. He was free-wheeling all over the draft. Trade away your cow and tractor? He’ll do that, too. 

We are back to what the NBA was when Michael Jordan retired for the first time in 1993. There is no true ultimate dominator in this league who is head and shoulders above everyone. Remember that time? Malone, Stockton, Olajuwon, Shaq, Kidd, Miller, Barkley, Richmond, Pippen, Payton, and more became prominent when Jordan left. As of 2011, there is no one head and shoulders above anyone. We can make arguments for a few select, but they each have flaws whether it’s getting old, shrinking up, or whatever. 

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The world thought Derrick Rose was getting the ball. After all, it was late in the fourth quarter and the game was close.

Well, they were wrong.

Instead the Chicago Bulls turned to Luol Deng on a smart back-door play against those pesky  Atlanta Hawks.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Derrick Rose’s Chicago Bulls have been eliminated from the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals at the hands of the Wade/LeBron-Bosh Miami Heat, 4-1. Chi-Town is fighting through some pain right now, but there shouldn’t be any. At the beginning of the season, there were not many people on the Bulls’ bandwagon. The hype grew as the wins piled up. The bandwagon grew yet many were not convinced. Rose won MVP and that’s when all hell broke loose. Tom Thibodeau received Coach of the Year. Beating Indiana and Atlanta were good. However, facing Miami caused the bandwagon to break. People keep saying that getting an upgrade at the shooting guard position over Keith Bogans is all that is needed to get the Bulls over the top to win it all.

Game 1 is in the books. The Chicago Bulls woke up a lot of critics, 103-82. Led by Derrick Rose's 28 points and 6 assists, his performance was fine considering that he out dueled Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. Both men did not even dial in 20 points, but Chris Bosh poured in 30 points. Miami's supporting cast could not get anything going as usual. However, the talk of the night belongs to Taj Gibson's dunks. One was on Dwyane Wade. The other one, which was a nasty put back, probably destroyed a planet somewhere. Lawd have mercy, things got nasty. Heat fans and critics were shocked. Don't be. They have been doing the business all season.

Lucrative is seriously underselling it based on the figures dribbling in to us.One industry source insisted to ESPN.com this week that Rose's new shoe deal with adidas will easily crack nine figures and could legitimately approach the $250 million range -- as in $25 million annually over a 10-year span -- in what is known in the shoe game as a "lifetime" deal.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Think it's good to be Derrick Rose?

He's the point guard and franchise face for his hometown Chicago Bulls. He's the 2011 NBA MVP, and the youngest player in league history to win the award. He has avoided the trappings of fame and maintained a clean image.

And for this the Bulls recently signed him to a long-term extension for $95 million. But that's a drop in the bucket compared to the contract Rose will reportedly receive from Adidas.

The European shoe maker is set to sign Rose to contract worth $250 million. You read correctly. A quarter of a billion dollars.

Yes, it's good to be Derrick Rose.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Derrick Rose is officially the youngest NBA MVP for anyone living in a cave kicking it with John Rambo. He earned it at 22 years old. Leading the team to the number one record is a tall order for anyone. The 2010-2011 season is historic mainly because of this. Basketball fans witnessed something amazing that we will not see again from any 22 year old NBA player. It was fun to see all of the games on DirecTV. Chicago’s offense and the opposing team’s defensive game plans truly revolved around the Poohdini of the Hardwood.

The success the Bulls had this season is a quick study in turning a franchise completely around in one season. For all the hype that suddenly accumulated, you would’ve thought Chicago had been a championship contender for years, as evidenced by all four in studio TNT analysts picking them to beat the Heat and win the Eastern Conference. But, that has not been the case.

The Chicago Bulls becoming the number one team, record wise, reveals a quantum leap this season and ramifications for the future. Not many people are examining the Bulls massive improvements – they practically flew over the Atlantic Ocean without breaking a sweat. Imagine predicting that the Bulls would be the number one team with the best defense before the season started. Imagine that. People laugh, mock, wants some weed that you smoked, and then label you a Bulls homer. That is why some of us should say, “We’ll see.”

It’s that time again for the regular season end awards just like any other television sports show. It is time to pass out the awards. Rather than giving awards for the usual categories such as Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year….you get the picture…..let’s focus on categories that truly need to be highlighted – categories that I make up! Who cares about those other official awards anyway? They’re already locked up.
 

This is the most ridiculous thing I heard coming out from these arguments. Discrediting Derrick Rose is one thing, but to completely dismiss the award just because people do not agree with your assessments is another. This is flat out stupid. Why did people pick out this year to bring this up again? This was echoed with Steve Nash’s awards and probably with Allen Iverson’s. Is this what it has come down to?

The season is almost over. It is time to look back and reflect on the positives and negatives. The hype before tip-off was through the roof. There was a lot of anticipation on new rivalries and storylines to be played out. Will the South Beach trio work out? How will Blake Griffin play? Is Steve Nash’s window closed? Are the Lakers still the team to beat? Kevin Durant got the MVP? The Chicago Bulls are 4th seeders, right?

I thought I was done talking about Derrick Rose’s MVP candidacy. No, really. I thought I was finished. I can’t wait until the ordeal is over. I explored why people truly despise the kid as one of the best in this article noting that. I understand the hate even when the reasons are illogical. People have to start giving the kid his earned props. He doesn’t deserve it. Instead, Rose earned it. He is showing us that hard work pays off.

This race is actually a lot closer and tougher to call than the MVP one. The Most Improved Player award should probably be considered the poor man’s MVP trophy, which is not a bad thing. There are 3 contenders this year with a possible fourth. I thought the most improved player was easy to figure out. That is why barely anyone is discussing it; just look at who increased their numbers the most from the previous season, right? Is it really that simple? I’m not sure now.