Come to Think of it...Chicago Bulls Select Derrick Rose - What do you Think?

I know, I know. They say you can't go wrong with either choice if you're the Chicago Bulls drafting first in the 2008 NBA draft held on Thursday.

But it's still a huge decision, one that will imprint the franchise for years to come.

Floor leader Derrick Rose or immediate impact scoring and rebounding machine Michael Beasley? It's a tough decision because the Bulls are coming off of a very disappointing season and would love an immediate boost such as the one Beasley would provide.

After all, hasn't everyone been saying for the past couple of seasons that the Bulls need a big man who can score in the paint? And, despite Beasley's apparent shrinkage compared with his college-listed height, wouldn't he fit in nicely with the Bulls?

Well, Beasley certainly has an NBA body. And he is the first freshman ever to lead the nation in rebounding, so he's used to making an immediate impact.

So the Bulls are going to select B-Easy with its first selection in the draft, right? Um, no, wrong. The Bulls are picking Derrick Rose out of Memphis.

Despite the temptations for immediate results, the Bulls are looking further down the road with this pick. Yes, Rose will produce results in his first season with the Bulls, though they may not be as obvious as the results Beasley would provide.

Ah, but as the Bulls get used to his style, the impact that Rose will have on his teammates will be felt much more as time goes on.  His slashing ability, quickness and ability to create shots will open the floor to a world of possibilities. And don't think that Bulls GM John Paxson hasn't noticed the impact that point guards Deron Williams and Chris Paul have made on their teams.

B-Easy has been dogged by questions about his drive and devotion, while Rose is the local product who seemingly can do no wrong. In fact, it's no certainty that he will be selected by the Heat with the second pick. Rumors have Heat President Pat Riley either trading the pick or selecting O.J. Mayo.

One of the implications of the Bulls picking Rose might be the trading of Kirk Hinrich, though he has four years and $37 million left on his contract.

So, while Paxson may be playing it close to the vest by not announcing in advance who he will take in the draft, allow me to spoil the surprise. Come to think of it, anything other than a Rose on draft night could result in a thorny situation for the Bulls.