If anyone watched Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley play this season, they would have realized that both of these players were worthy of the #1 pick in this years NBA Draft.  However, since the Chicago Bulls can only choose one player, I am going to give John Paxson the answer to his questions.  WHO SHOULD BE THE #1 PICK?

First, the Chicago Bulls will not make a mistake by choosing either one of these players.  They are obviously great talents that should transfer to the NBA game.  Second, the Chicago Bulls should only trade out of this pick if they can land the #2 pick and other players.

When comparing who is a better fit for the Bulls, we need to understand the current Bulls Roster as it stands.

Guards:  Shannon Brown, JamesOn Curry, Chris Duhon, Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, Larry Hughes, Thabo Sefolosha

Forwards: Luol Deng, Drew Gooden, Joakim Noah, Andres Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas

Centers:  Aaron Gray

The Bulls roster is obviously guard heavy.  John Paxson will need to trade a guard or two to provide front line help.  The obvious choice would be Ben Gordon or Kirk Hinrich.  Each would provide value to teams that need a point guard and a scorer.  The Bulls have not had a low post scorer that commands double teams since a young Elton Brand graced us for a few seasons.  This is the #1 reason why the 2007-2008 Bulls were bad.  There was no reason for NBA teams to double the post.  Because of this, the Bulls FG % was one of the lowest in the NBA because their guards had to take low percentage jumpers while be guarded.  Michael Beasley would command a double team.  He also is fast enough to spread the floor and take any power forward off the dribble.

Another reason why this Bulls team struggled is because they had too many droughts in scoring during games.  The Bulls would have opponents make 10-0 runs during most of their games.  The reason why they could not stop these runs is that no big man on the Bulls can get to the foul line.  Michael Beasley had 12 games this year in which he shot over 10 free throws.  He also shot at a respectable clip of 77%.  Derrick Rose shot 71% as a guard.  The Bulls need someone that can get to the line, command double teams and be a beast on the boards.

Beasley averaged 26 points and 12 rebounds a game in a very tough and physical Big 12.  Rose averaged 15 points, 5 boards and 5 assists in a very mediocre league.  He also shot a terrible 33% from 3pointers and 71% from the line.  Do I think Rose will learn how to shoot….yes.  However, the Bulls will struggle to score and win games without a low post scorer.

Chicago has been buzzing about Derrick Rose because he played and grew up in the windy city.  However, I am not sure that helps a young kid develop by having friends, family around.  I think it would be best for Rose to go to Miami and learn from Pat Riley (MAGIC) and play with Dwayne Wade.

They are both great players…but…with the 1st pick in the NBA draft, the Chicago Bulls should select Michael Beasley from Kansas State.