At the 2008 NBA Draft, the Bulls did what any team with the 1st pick should do - select the best player, regardless of need. That player would be Memphis point guard Derrick Rose, a local product of Chicago.

Any possibility the Bulls might have opted for Kansas St. scoring machine Michael Beasley ended when his pre-draft height measurements came in at 6'7 feet (Marcus Pfizer, anyone?).

Still, Beasley supporters may point out that Derrick Rose will be too distracted in his hometown to focus his professional basketball career. Yes, the onus will be on the Bulls team management to guide Rose through his rookie year. However, there is a potentially great story line that could play out here: Local kid gets drafted by his hometown team and leads the city to a championship.

Michael Jordan was from North Carolina and quickly became Chicago's adopted son. But this city will always revere players with Chicago roots. Just ask Kevin Garnett or Dwayne Wade. And the feeling is mutual. Garnett was giving shout-outs to Chicago immediately after winning the NBA championship as a Boston Celtic.

Do I think Derrick Rose can lead the Bulls to an NBA championship? He can't do it alone, but the Bulls are set at point guard for the next eight years. In a league increasingly dominated by young, talented point guards (Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Tony Parker, etc.), Rose has definitely placed himself into the mix.