ESPN is reporting that the Bulls are going to draft point guard Derrick Rose.
Coach Z’s scouting report: Strong point guard who plays with much physicality… must become more of a distributor, looks to score when going to the hole… needs more consistent jumper and more leadership for others in the half court… will eventually become an All-Star, but needs some seasoning to have a major impact…
With this pick, the Bulls are going with the thinking that a franchise-type point guard is more important than filling a need on the front line. Call it the Chris Paul/Deron Williams effect, but it has more to do with the rules changes from a few years ago that make some of these penetrating point guards nearly unstoppable. Now that Rose is a member of the Bulls, look for Kirk Hinrich to be on the move. He’d be ideal for a team that has a creator at off guard or small forward (like the Cavs or the Lakers with LeBron and Kobe, respectively). He’s a shooter and a facilitator, not a creator. Ben Gordon looks like a great fit alongside Rose in the Chicago backcourt. He’s a terrific scorer and Rose can (theoretically) cover the bigger off guards that Gordon can’t. I worry a little bit about Rose playing in his hometown because his distractions will be considerable, but he should flourish there if he keeps his head on straight (and his crew small).
If I were running the Bulls, I would have gone with Beasley, but it’s hard to fault the Rose pick here. With Rose off the board, look for Miami to trade out of the #2 pick or draft Beasley and move him later in the draft (or after it’s done).
What do you think of the pick?
