Back in the 2010-11 NBA season, Derrick Rose had the world watching. The Chicago Bulls guard made history by becoming the youngest MVP ever—just 22 years old. Fans were hyped, the league was buzzing, and the narrative was picture-perfect. But not everyone’s buying the fairytale. One name that keeps popping up in the “what ifs” of that MVP race? Dwight Howard. The former Laker star recently broke his silence, claiming he—not Rose—deserved the crown that season.
Meanwhile, on The Big Podcast, things got even more interesting. Shaquille O’Neal jumped into the conversation and made it clear where he stands. Shaq agreed with Howard. And with all due respect to Joakim Noah and the other centers of that era, nobody was touching Howard. He wasn’t just elite—he was the guy. Howard’s three straight Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009 to 2011 speak louder than most debates.
But somehow, he still came up short.
According to Dwight, though, the reason isn’t much of a mystery. “So the only reason he won is because he said, I think I can win, be the MVP,” Howard said. “And they wanted that storyline. And that’s how he got it.” Shaq, doubling down on the take, admitted, “He deserved it more than D-Rose.” The implication? Adam Silver’s league went with a better story instead of a better season.
Feb 15, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Lakers player Dwight Howard puts on a Superman costume in the slam dunk contest during NBA All Star Saturday Night at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
Why did Rose’s story win out? The MVP isn’t just about stats—it’s about what grabs the headlines. Rose was a 22-year-old kid from Chicago, carrying the Bulls to the top of the East in a post-Jordan era. That’s a movie script. Howard, dominating in Orlando, was a beast, but smaller markets and defensive stars often get less love. Think Steve Nash winning MVP in ’05 and ’06 over flashier scorers like Kobe. It’s a pattern, and Howard’s calling it out.
Still, despite all the shade thrown at the system, Howard kept it classy. “No aid or shade on him,” he said, clarifying that there’s no personal beef with Rose. In fact, when D-Rose called it a career, Howard even sent a heartfelt tribute. But make no mistake—he still thinks the league played dirty.
Dwight Howard’s message as Derrick Rose bows out of the NBA
So as the NBA continues to welcome in fresh talent each season, it also quietly says goodbye to its legends. Last September, Derrick Rose officially announced his retirement after a 15-year journey that saw him become the youngest MVP in league history back in 2011. Along the way, he bagged three All-Star nods and took home Rookie of the Year honors in 2009. It wasn’t just a career—it was a rollercoaster of highs, heartbreaks, and comebacks.
Rose’s story is one of grit. Before his devastating ACL tear in 2012, he was averaging 21.8 points per game for the Bulls. After that injury? He fought his way back, suiting up across 15 seasons—well beyond the NBA’s average career span of around 4.5 years. Howard’s tribute to him wasn’t just kind—it was real. He recognized Rose’s relentless fight through injuries and setbacks, even inviting him to play in Taiwan’s TAT League, where Howard is now a co-owner and player for the Taiwan Mustangs. That’s pure respect, not rivalry.
Now at 35, Rose’s story took him through six NBA teams—from the early Chicago Bulls days to his final run with the Memphis Grizzlies. And while fans were quick to show love, Dwight Howard’s tribute stood out. Taking to X, the former Magic star didn’t just drop a message—he dropped respect. “Congrats on an Amazing Career Rose,” he wrote, saluting the grit that carried Rose through a decade and a half in the league.
In fact, Howard pointed out something most people overlook. “People don’t realize the average career of an NBA player is 4.5 years,” he said. And yet, Rose powered through injuries—including that brutal ACL tear in the 2012 playoffs—to log 15 full seasons. Before the injury, he was averaging 21 a night. After that? Just 15. Still, he kept showing up.
Meanwhile, Howard—who played overseas in Taiwan’s T1 League, and now co-owns it—ended his post with a cheeky invite. “If you ever miss the court, let me know, come play in my league for a game or two.” Whether D-Rose takes him up on it? That’s still up in the air.
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