Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose named NBA Rookie of the Year

Per the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Bulls' guard Derrick Rose will be given the award for top NBA rookie in 2008-09.

Rose finished the regular season averaging 16.8 points, second only to Memphis' O.J. Mayo (18.5), led all rookies in assists (6.3) and minutes played (37.0).

In two playoff games, Rose has averaged 23.0 points and 11.0 assists.

Michael Jordan and Elton Brand are the only other Bulls to have won the award.

The Bulls are expected to officially announced the award at a 2 p.m. CST news conference Wednesday.

Twitterers were unsurprised and happy for the 6-3 Memphis grad.

1. 
   sugui Hey Derrick Rose, apparently there's a package for you at the Berto Center. It's shaped like a trophy. hmm... 22 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   j_dub70 Derrick Rose NBA rookie of the year! Chicago bulls lovers rejoice!!! 22 Apr 2009 from twitterrific
3. 
   AJthegraduate Derrick Rose will be awarded the Rookie of the Year trophy. WELL DESERVED! Press conference this afternoon in the CHI. 22 Apr 2009 from TwitterBerry
4. 
   realgt not a big surprise that Derrick Rose is #nba rookie of the year....i'm just hoping Beasley can be Most Improved player next year ;) http ... 22 Apr 2009 from TweetDeck
5. 
   tommychoi It's official, I can buy a Derrick Rose jersey now!!! Wish I could trade in my Ben Wallace, Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich ones. 22 Apr 2009 from Tweetie
6. 
   Manny_Nunez Derrick Rose is NBA rookie of the year!!!! he deserves it! 22 Apr 2009 from web

Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose named NBA Rookie of the Year

Derrick Rose looks to be early favorite for NBA Rookie of the Year

Many commentators and sports analysts seem to think Derrick Rose has Rookie of the Year honors in the bag.

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:

1. 
   prashantrao Really looking forward to watching Derrick Rose for the next 10-12 years of my life. 14 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   chrisjbrandon Damn it's scarry watching sports center, & the Bull's Derrick Rose is only gonna get better. (the next Michael Jordan perhaps?) 14 Apr 2009 from TwitterFon
3. 
   slamfan Derrick Rose is a BEAST 14 Apr 2009 from web
4. 
   gafferpete woohoo! looks like the Bulls' Derrick Rose is going to win rookie of the year! 15 Apr 2009 from web
5. 
   DJKaBz Derrick Rose got NBA rookie of the year!! Watch out Orlando in the playoffs!! 15 Apr 2009 from Twittelator
6. 
   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 15 Apr 2009 from twitterfeed
7. 
   ianchoe derrick rose, rookie of the millennium. i want his game. I WANT IT. 15 Apr 2009 from web

ESPN's Scoop Jackson's Q&A with Derrick Rose.

Derrick Rose looks to be early favorite for NBA Rookie of the Year