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On Wednesday, Heat forward Juwan Howard made headlines when he tabbed Bulls guard Derrick Rose over his teammate, LeBron James, as his choice for NBA MVP.

Following the Heat’s shootaround at the United Center on Thursday, Howard didn’t back off that stance. But perhaps more surprisingly, Rose picked up additional support from another member of the Heat, this time from forward Chris Bosh.

“LeBron has won the last two [MVP awards],” said Bosh. “He is my teammate, but Derrick has had a phenomenal season. Just looking at what he has done with the team and their record, how improved they are as a team and how much improved he is as a player. I think it’s close, but I think I would give it to Derrick if I were a voter.

“He’s playing well, like he’s the best point guard in the league and the best player in the league,” Bosh continued of Rose. “He’s the most valuable player if you really think about it. If you take him out of the lineup, there is no telling what you get.”

Howard, a Chicago native, reiterated his stance in support of Rose for MVP.

“Rose is a guy who has put his team in a great position to win,” said Howard. “They’ve been playing good basketball all season long despite the injuries. I think a big reason for their success is a credit to him.”

Heat guard Dwyane Wade, on the other hand, said his vote would go James.

“Derrick is having a great year,” acknowledged Wade. “I don’t have a vote, but of course Derrick is one of the guys who is a front-runner. He’s got to finish out this year strong. Of course, I believe LeBron is a front-runner as well. Those two guys are the leaders of the MVP run. I’m going to be biased and choose my teammate. There’s no question about it.”

So what did James have to say about it all?

“The award isn’t named after myself,” stated James, who has claimed back-to-back MVP honors. “There are guys who have come before me and guys who will come after me and win that award.”

But James did acknowledge he’s taken note of Rose’s success and that he’s a very viable candidate to win it in only his third professional season.

“Like I always keep saying, with team success comes individual accolades,” said James. “D-Rose is having an unbelievable season. He’s doing everything and more to help this team be a contender. There is no way you can mention the MVP race without mentioning his name.”

Upon further review, Bosh OK with Bulls’ Asik

When the Bulls and Heat met for the first time this season on Jan. 15 at the United Center, Bosh sat out the fourth quarter after suffering an ankle injury as a result of he and Bulls center Omer Asik fighting for a loose ball.

After the game, Bosh was critical, telling reporters: “You’ve got to watch people’s legs. I know guys want to hustle and everything, but we all want to play and provide for our families and have a job. We all want to be healthy and that is very important If it is by somebody’s leg, don’t dive for the ball, it’s too close.”

But on Thursday, Bosh said he doesn’t hold a grudge against Asik and admitted he may have overreacted.

“No, I don’t feel that way. I was just a little upset,” said Bosh. “The games happen so fast and I thought the ball was right there and didn’t realize I stepped into the play. It was one of those weird things. I know he was just trying to hustle. I was upset at the time. I’m past that. I never watched the tape until about two weeks ago. After I watched the tape, I was like, ‘OK, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was.’”

Audio—Heat forward LeBron James’ pregame comments (02.24.11):

Audio—Heat forward Chris Bosh following his team’s shootaround at the United Center (02.24.11):

Audio—Heat guard Dwyane Wade following his team’s shootaround at the United Center (02.24.11):

Bulls vs. Heat season notes

Miami took the season series last year (3-1) … it was the second straight year Miami claimed the season series (defeated Chicago 3-1 during the 2008-09 season) … Chicago’s lone victory was a 95-91 win at the UC on Feb. 6, 2010 … the last time Chicago won the season series was during the 2007-08 season (2-1) … in two games last season, Luol Deng averaged a team high 25.5 ppg and 7.5 rpg, while Dwyane Wade posted 19.8 ppg, 7.0 apg and 3.5 rpg in four games against the Bulls … Chicago is 27-14 all-time against Miami in Chicago … last season, Miami averaged 99.3 ppg, while Chicago posted 87.8 ppg against the Heat … the Bulls are 18-23 all-time in Miami … on the year, Miami ranks second in FG% (.474), sixth in points allowed (94.1), first in opponents FG% (.426) and first in opponents 3FG% (.331) … LeBron James (26.1 ppg) ranks third in the NBA in scoring, while Dwyane Wade (25.4 ppg) is fourth.