Retro style of Durant, Rose pushing NBA into new era

There's something decidedly different that sets Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose apart from some of their fellow twentysomething stars, and it can be best described with a paraphrased slogan:

Old school back in session.

Maybe you've noticed. Refusing to submit to generational peer pressure, Durant and Rose are putting a present-day touch on a throwback style of play. By favoring fundamentals over flash and intelligence over impulse, they clearly stand out among others who were raised on streetball and became addicted to too many highlights on ESPN. And what's really refreshing, if not coincidental, is how Durant and Rose are both making a strong bid for the MVP.

With the increasing popularity and influence of AAU ball and the bad habits that often come with it, Durant and Rose are hardly what you'd expect from players their age. Their skills? Surprisingly sharp, along with their knowledge. They take care of the ball and their teammates. They're not about to resort to the two-handed set-shot or anything, but Durant and Rose, both 22, are very retro in their approach.

Here's a case for each player's MVP bid as we turn the page to February:

He caught a few folks by surprise recently, not necessarily with the game-winner at the buzzer against the Knicks, or a 47-point, 18-rebound avalanche he dumped on the poor Timberwolves, or getting 40 and seven two nights later against the Wizards. No, it was his crack about Chris Bosh being a "fake tough guy" that was a head-scratcher. Doesn't Durant carry (with pride) a mild-mannered, laid-back demeanor? Wasn't this out of character?

Well, in a way, yes, only because it was the only documented example of Durant publicly going after someone. But too often, his even-tempered approach to basketball is mistaken for a lack of belly fire, when in truth, Durant is often the most competitive guy on the floor.

Once again, that's evident in the effort. His scoring average has increased every month, from 26.7 points per game in November to 29.4 ppg in December to 30.5 in January. Durant leads the league in scoring at 28.9, and doing it quite efficiently (46 percent shooting). He's showing no signs of slowing the blistering scoring pace he set two years ago, his second season in the NBA, when he averaged 25.3 points.

The mission for Durant is to make sure he takes the Thunder with him as he keeps soaring.

January was shaky as the Thunder went 7-6, with two wins coming in overtime when the Thunder were pushed to the brink by Minnesota and the Wizards, and another win on Durant's buzzer-beater. The losses came against Miami, San Antonio, the Lakers, Nuggets and Hornets, the kind of company you must beat in order to send a message in time for the postseason.

Obviously, those losses weren't due to Durant; with Russell Westbrook enjoying a breakout season, the Thunder could use a No. 3 guy on the roster to step forward. But it really comes down to Durant. MVPs are usually earned by players who help their teams win division titles or come close enough. That's why Durant would be wise to stay ornery.

There are several stars having fine seasons, but how many have done so while holding their team together? Perhaps none quite like Rose, and because of that, the Bulls are pushing toward the top in the East.

Remember, they were without Carlos Boozer for the first 15 games and are still missing Joakim Noah (23 missed games and counting) and his surgically repaired right thumb. That's roughly half a season without two important members of the starting lineup.

But there have been no worries for the Bulls. Rose has basically carried a team of Luol Deng, Keith Bogans, Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant has Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, LeBron James has Dwyane Wade (and vice versa) while Tim Duncan has Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. We rest our case.

Electric without being reckless, Rose has been whatever the Bulls needed.

Scoring? Yes, of course, at 24.4 points a game; Rose can turn into a scoring point guard on a dime. Play-making? Fine, Rose is giving his teammates open looks and averaging just over eight assists. Defense? Well, you know Tom Thibodeau wouldn't accept anything less.

It's all added up to a solid half-season for Rose, who needs only to keep from wearing down from pulling so much of a load. If he can stay away from the spicy food that triggered two stomach ulcers, there's no telling where he or the Bulls will end up.

Shaun Powell is a veteran NBA writer and columnist. You can e-mail him here and follow him on twitter.

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