Per ESPN's NBA analyst David Thorpe, the Chicago Bulls' point guard has his pick for ROY because he's "a smart player" and "few players can slow him when he executes his stop-and-go dribble game." (See Thorpe's analysis in video below:)
SI.com's Bryan Armen Graham also has the 20-year-old NBA star and Chicagoan at the top of his list. Graham said "not only has the South Side native averaged 16.8 points and a rookie-best 6.3 assists in 37.0 minutes, Rose has also become the sixth No. 1 pick since 1980-81 -- and first backcourt player -- to help his team make the playoffs."
Basketball fans on Twitter seem to agree that Rose has clinched the award:
prashantrao Really looking forward to watching Derrick Rose for the next 10-12 years of my life.
chrisjbrandon Damn it's scarry watching sports center, & the Bull's Derrick Rose is only gonna get better. (the next Michael Jordan perhaps?)
slamfan Derrick Rose is a BEAST
gafferpete woohoo! looks like the Bulls' Derrick Rose is going to win rookie of the year!
DJKaBz Derrick Rose got NBA rookie of the year!! Watch out Orlando in the playoffs!!
ProfessorTracey Professor Tracey's Pick For NBA Rookie Of The Year - The Chicago Bull's Derrick Rose: I love this dude's game!
.. http://tinyurl.com/dg86bv
ianchoe derrick rose, rookie of the millennium. i want his game. I WANT IT.
ESPN's Scoop Jackson's Q&A with Derrick Rose.
