Chicago's Derrick Rose an All-Star, and Deservedly So

In the past week, since the announcement of the NBA All-Star starters, Derrick Rose has played like an All-Star.

He's averaged 26.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game in the Bulls' four games since last Thursday (all wins).

Well, it seems that his All-Star audition paid off for more than just the Bulls.

Tonight it was announced that Rose will be a reserve on the Eastern Conference squad, joining six other first-time All-Stars at Cowboys Stadium on Feb. 14.

The announcement ended a 12-year All-Star drought for the Chicago Bulls. The  franchise hasn't had a representative since perennial All-Star (and I say that lightly) Michael Jordan last played in the game as a Bull in 1998.

As for Rose, it seems to be the first of what should be many All-Star nods, because at 21 he'll be the youngest representative this season and the youngest since LeBron James was selected to his first All-Star game in 2005 (also at the age of 21).

Rose is also the first No. 1 overall pick to be given an All-Star nod since Dwight Howard (who was drafted in 2004) was selected in 2007.

As for the Bulls, Derrick Rose has turned out to be the player that they hoped he would be when they selected him first overall just a year and a half ago.

The humble kid from Chicago's south side has opened eyes with his freakish athleticism and his strangely shy demeanor.

In an age where the NBA seems to be more like a circus than a sport, where players feel free to dance and interact with fans, bring weapons into locker rooms, and struggle with drug addictions, it's so rare to see someone so calm and collective off the court, yet so fierce and determined on it.

Rose, who claims his only addiction is gummy bears, has helped shine a new light not only on the NBA, but also on the streets where he grew up.

Granted the guy has had controversy over a "gang sign photo" and was caught speeding, but that all comes with his youth.

As for now, Derrick Rose will be able to show his maturity playing against the best of the best and he's cementing himself as an up-and-coming NBA superstar.

So congrats to Derrick on such a deserving All-Star nod. We all hope that his sustained success will continue for many years to come...

At least while he's a Bull.