Michael Jordan Was Happy To See Derrick Rose Become Youngest MVP In NBA History In 2011: ‘He Deserves It’

Michael Jordan was happy to see Derrick Rose become the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011. 

Jordan and Rose are the only players in Chicago Bulls history to win the MVP Award. 

“MVP of the season,” Jordan told ESPN in March 2011. “He deserves it. He’s playing that well. He deserves it. Without a doubt. And if he doesn’t get it, now he’ll see how I felt a lot of years.”

Jordan won five MVPs with the Bulls, while Rose won his lone MVP in 2011 over Dwight Howard and LeBron James. 

“That’s huge, man,” Rose said after hearing that Jordan said he was the MVP. “When the person that you’re playing behind, all you hear about is Mike, especially in Chicago, look up to him. For him to say that, it’s unbelievable. It’s an honor and I’m speechless right now. It’s great that he said that, it’s an honor, but we’re just trying to keep winning. The award, like I’ve said, it will come if we keep winning. But we’re just trying to play hard, play together, and keep playing aggressive and play with an edge.”

Rose averaged 25.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks in 2010-11.

The Bulls had the best record in the NBA and reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1998, Jordan’s last year with the franchise. 

In 406 games with the Bulls, Rose averaged 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.4 blocks. He won the 2009 Rookie of the Year Award and made three All-Star teams and one All-NBA team. 

The Bulls will retire Rose’s No. 1 jersey next season.

Rose will join Jerry Sloan (No. 4), Bob Love (No. 10), Jordan (No. 23) and Scottie Pippen (No. 33) in the United Center rafters.

“Derrick is both a hometown hero and a symbol of an entire era of Bulls basketball,” said Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. “Retiring a jersey recognizes a player’s impact beyond on-court achievements. It honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the organization and forged deep, lasting connections with fans. It recognizes that emotional bond and the great influence a player has had on the team and organization’s identity. We are proud to add Derrick to the elite group of players – Jerry Sloan, Bob Love, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen – whose jerseys have been officially retired by the Chicago Bulls.”

“Derrick’s talent was extraordinary, but what always impressed me most was how he remained humble and let his basketball play speak for him,” President and CEO Michael Reinsdorf said. “To watch Derrick the player was a thrill, but to get to know Derrick the person was an honor. His accomplishments on and off the court are what made him truly special. His connection with Chicago was undeniable when he was here, and it has only grown stronger and more profound over time. It will be an emotional moment to see Derrick watch his jersey go up into the rafters, surrounded by the family, friends, and fans who mean so much to him.” 

Jordan, Pippen and Rose are the three best players in Bulls franchise history (in that order). 

Jordan is universally recognized as the greatest player in NBA history. He won five MVPs, 10 scoring titles, three steals titles, one Defensive Player of the Year Award, a Rookie of the Year Award, six championships and six Finals MVPs.