(AUDACY) As expected, Nuggets center Nikola Jokic took home the hardware as the NBA MVP award winner Tuesday evening.
What wasn't expected was a vote that got a lot of attention across social media. As the full vote breakdown was released, it was unusual to see a lone first-place vote cast for Knicks veteran guard Derrick Rose.
The MVP winner with the Bulls in 2011, Rose had a fine season after being traded from the Pistons to the Knicks. He averaged 14.7 points, 4.2 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game while shooting 47% from the field. He also helped lead the Knicks to the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
But Rose was a role player, averaging 26 minutes per game, and wasn't even the MVP candidate on his own team. Julius Randle had a terrific season but didn't receive a single first-place MVP vote.
Many were confused by Rose's first-place MVP vote, but soon an explanation emerged.
The vote cast for Rose was a cumulative fan vote, rather than a single media member, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Rose had always been a fan favorite in Chicago from his time with the Bulls, and his role in helping the Knicks unexpectedly reach the playoffs certainly won over a few fans in New York.
But to get a first-place MVP vote? Well, it was a bit unusual considering the other noteworthy names who didn't receive one, but it was a nice gesture that showed what Rose means to fans.
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