The Bulls' John Salmons, Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas watch glumly from the bench during the fourth quarter of Game 3. Tom Cruze/Sun-Times Photo
Disappointed? Sure. But no one really should have been taken aback by the Bulls' disappearing act in a thoroughly humbling 107-86 loss to the Celtics in Game 3 of their first-round NBA playoff series Thursday at the United Center.
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose drives to the hoop against the defensive pressure of Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen during the second half of their first round NBA playoff basketball game in Boston on April 18. Rose finished with 36 points in the Bulls Game 1 win. -Stephan Savoia-AP
When the Bulls took Derrick Rose with the first pick in the draft, they knew they had something special in the hometown Chicago kid. Now, it seems, the NBA has taken notice, too.
The Chicago Bulls have called a 2 p.m. press conference to announce that Rose has won the NBA's Rookie of the Year award, an honor shared in Bulls history with Michael Jordan and Elton Brand.
Rose led rookies in assists (6.3) and minutes played (37.0) and finished second to Memphis' O.J. Mayo in scoring, averaging 16.8 points per game. Mayo averaged 18.5.
Rose's contributions as the only rookie starting on a playoff team - and at the demanding position of point guard, no less - show him excelling in a leadership role beyond his years, according to his teammates.
