In 2011, Derrick Rose became the youngest MVP in NBA history after leading the Bulls to the best record in the league.
Now, over 10 years later, and that trophy is sitting somewhere in Brenda Rose's house, and she has no plans on giving it up.
Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's game against Denver, the 3x All-Star joked that his mom is keeping the accolade hostage, comparing it to Liam Neeson's most famous film, 'Taken.'
“I keep my MVP award at my mom's house. She kinda took it for hostage. She's not giving it back to me. It's kinda like the movie Taken. She's like the lead character right now.”
Looks like that's Brenda's trophy now!
Seriously, though, even despite the many difficulties Rose has faced in his journey so far, his MVP win in 2011 stands as a permanent reminder of his legacy.
Even before his MVP win, he never doubted himself or his abilities:
"(The expectation) is high. The way I look at it in myself is why not? Why can't I be the MVP of the league? Why can't I be the best player in the league? I don't see why. Why can't I do that? I think I work hard, I think I dedicate myself to the game and sacrifice a lot of things at a young age and I know that if I continue to - like - do good what I can get out of. And that's me now, doing whatever. I'm willing to do it because I know in the long run it's going to help," a young Rose said.
Rose averaged 25.0 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in 81 games during his MVP run. It's a shame that we didn't get to see more of that throughout his career.
Fortunately, Rose is still capable of playing a prominent role for his team today, which stands as a remarkable feat of perseverance given all he's has to endure. He is one of the best and most consistent players for the Knicks, and his play is what has helped turn things around for the franchise.
Who knows, maybe his missing MVP trophy is giving him that extra boost of motivation this season...
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