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Here’s How Knicks’ Derrick Rose Finished Ahead of LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden in MVP Voting

Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic finally received his much-deserved MVP award of this season. While most players in the voting didn’t come off as surprising, Like Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, but wait. Where did Derrick Rose come from? Did the New York Knicks veteran land even ahead of LeBron James, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard in the MVP awaiting? How is that even possible?

More than LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard?

Nikola Jokic, who got 91 of the 100 first-place votes from the media, Curry had 5, Chris Paul had 2, and both Giannis and Embiid only picked up one. However, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press made everyone’s doubts clear about the one vote that Rose received.

As per him, that vote for Derrick Rose was a consensus fan vote and did not come from the media. This is something that has been included in the voting process since 2010. Rose averaged 14.7 points, 4.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds in the 2020-21 season and was declared MVP last time in 2011. In fact, he was the youngest player to achieve this feat back when he was 22-years-old.

Rose wasn’t the only one on the New York Knicks team who received some from love. Julius Randle, who is the Most Improved Player, earned a couple of third place, fourth and fifth place votes as well.

READ MORE: Former Bulls Guard & Agent BJ Armstrong Reveals How Derrick Rose Learnt From Michael Jordan

Derrick Rose made an impact on the Knicks

This season, the Knicks stunned everyone by making it to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. And that too, landed the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Their success can be credited to coach Tom Thibodeau’s arrival, along with Julius Randle’s stellar performances. And finally, acquiring Derrick Rose mid-season.

The veteran player became a mentor to the young players on the team. The patience and finishing he brings to the game can only come from the 11-year experience that he has in the league. Undoubtedly, he was the stepping stone to how far the Knicks came this season.

Knicks' Derrick Rose
May 28, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) shoots the ball over New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose (4) in the first quarter during game three in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Although they did not get past the first round against the Atlanta Hawks, the support the Knicks fans got wreaked havoc in the league. It was something that was never seen before and one can only imagine if Rose stays longer, how further can this take the Knicks?

WATCH THIS STORY: When a Retired Michael Jordan Schooled an Arrogant Chicago Bulls Rookie

The post Here’s How Knicks’ Derrick Rose Finished Ahead of LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden in MVP Voting appeared first on EssentiallySports.