Looking Towards the Draft

Now that the Bulls finally have a head coach in place, they can start to focus on another major decision the team has to make, who they will select with the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. The Bulls defied the odds in the NBA Draft Lottery by winning the top selection in this year’s draft despite having less than a two percent chance to do so. The Bulls, just one year removed from making the playoffs with many of the same players currently on the roster, should have a good shot at a postseason return with the addition of whoever they deem to be the best player in the collegiate ranks.

The decision will likely come down to two players, Memphis point guard and Chicago native Derrick Rose and Kansas State forward Michael Beasley. Most mock drafts floating around the web seem to favor Rose. Rose is a super-athletic floor general with superstar written all over him. Beasley is a do-it-all forward with strength, length, great range for his size and solid rebounding ability. As far as I’m concerned though, the decision is a no-brainer; take Rose. Though the top picks in the draft are usually bigger guys, Rose is a can’t-miss talent who could be one of the best players in the league in the not too distant future. His professional attitude, great work ethic and humble demeanor go hand in hand with what general manager John Paxson looks for in a player. Beasley has had a lot of questions surrounding his character and motivation. Some scouts fear he’ll never realize his full potential due to his lack of drive. I believe Rose is the safer pick and will eventually be the better player.

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