If you want to know how Derrick Rose has gone from a talented young point guard to a league MVP contender in just his third season, it starts with the relationship Rose and coach Tom Thibodeau have forged over the past eight months.

Rose took to Thibodeau almost immediately when the two met last summer. Thibodeau let Rose know that he would give Rose greater control on the floor, let him be more of a decision maker, and have the Bulls play more of an up-tempo game to take advantage of Rose's speed.

At the same time he would be more demanding. Rose would have to play hard defense. He would have to work hard in practice. Plus, he would have to study game films. If Thibodeau was going to make him the leader, Rose would have to go out and actually lead.

Rose has accepted it and thrived with it. Besides honing his existing skills, he has expanded his game with improved shooting and defense. And not only has Rose become an MVP contender, the Bulls have established themselves as a legitimate threat to win the conference title.