Not a surprise to most NBA followers today, after Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose is announced as the Rookie of the Year for the 2008-09 season.  Rose excelled early and late, including a late regular season run and eventual #7 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Derrick Rose seemingly had all the necessary skills to excel in the pro game and he showed no delay in exhibiting them to the Chicago & NBA faithful.  Coming out of Memphis and an NCAA Championship loss to Kansas, Rose was selected with the #1 pick in the NBA Draft in hopes that he would revive basketball in Chicago – make it relevant again.  Not since Michael Jordan last laced up his sneakers for the Bulls have they really had optimism looking forward.  Tyson Chandler was a disappointment, as was Eddy Curry.  Elton Brand was a stud, but didn’t even perform well enough to win the Rookie of the Year outright.

2008-09 Rookie of the Year Voting

Other contenders for this year’s ROY Award included Grizzlies guard OJ Mayo, the Heat’s Michael Beasley, Brook Lopez of the Nets and Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook.  The final order, as reported by NBA.com include:

1. Derrick Rose (574 votes)
2. OJ Mayo (246)
3. Brook Lopez (127)
4. Russell Westbrook (73)
5. Eric Gordon (22)
6. Kevin Love (16)
7. Michael Beasley (7)
8. 6 other rookies received at least 1 vote

Derrick Rose is the easy winner this year after leading all rookies in assists and finishing 2nd in scoring.  His maturity and leadership were outstanding, especially considering he was brought into a previously under-achieving situation.

Having stolen Game 1 from the Boston Celtics, Rose’s impact can’t be underestimated and his accomplishments are well deserved.

Derrick Rose Jerseys – Chicago Bulls

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