Where Will Rose Land?

The big news this week was a statement made by point guard Derrick Rose, stating his desire to be drafted by his hometown Bulls #1 overall. Before I say anything, can we all just agree that the Bulls are freakin lucky to have the top pick? 1.7%?! They had no business getting the #1 overall selection when there were teams as bad as Miami and Seattle in the league. I hate the lottery system, and it needs to be fixed.

Anyway, I don't blame the guy for wanting to be picked by his hometown team. And it turns out the claims that he wouldn't meet with the Heat were unfounded, as the Memphis guard is in Miami this weekend to meet with Heat brass.

The interesting part is that despite all the speculation that Rose is our guy and that Riley wants to stay away from Beasley, it seems that Riles might have played us all the whole time. Michael Beasley was the top draft prospect since LeBron James and somehow he's turned into a guy the Heat can't wait to trade away once they draft him 2nd overall. We've all continually heard the Heat express an interest in Rose, and teaming him up with Wade in the backcourt. And all the while, the Bulls have been shifting their interest to Rose as well.

Could it be that Riley was purposefully showing a false interest in Rose, just so the Bulls would pass on Beasley and give us the most talented player in the draft. Sources have said the Heat aren't looking to have two slashers in the backcourt, and Rose is anything but a jump-shooter. And the fact we have yet to extend Shawn Marion (more on that later) suggests there might still be room for Michael Beasley in our front court.

I've said it all along, I really don't give a damn who we get, as long as it is one of those two. Either one would make a huge impact on this team and instantly make the Heat a playoff team again. A couple of moves here and there, with some 2009 cap space, and we're looking at a serious contender for 2009-2010. If we get Rose, excellent. Wade will have the ballhandling duties taken away and can focus on being the star. If not, then Beasley dropping 30/20 every other night will do just fine.