MIAMI — Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley will be forever linked. That's an inevitability for players who get chosen No. 1 and No. 2 in an NBA draft.
So on some level, it's fitting their first pro game - one that won't have fans, won't count in standings and will likely be long forgotten in a few days - will pit them against one another. Rose's Chicago Bulls face Beasley's Miami Heat on Monday, one of three games that will open the Orlando summer league's weeklong schedule.
For a meaningless matchup, there's an abundance of big-game hype.
And it almost seems like neither 19-year-old can truly understand why.
"I didn't even know we're playing Miami first," Rose said. "I'm not going to be checking him."
"If you want to make it a Mike Beasley and Derrick Rose show, go ahead," Beasley said. "But that's not how it's going to be."
Fair enough.
Beasley, Rose set for first meeting as professionals....
Monday, July 7, 2008
Beasley, Rose set for first meeting as professionals
Friday, June 27, 2008
Mayo and Love Swap Places After the Draft
By HOWARD BECK
O.J. Mayo, who was one of the N.B.A. draft’s most intriguing figures Thursday night, became the pivotal player in a blockbuster trade hours after the draft concluded.
In an eight-player deal that was announced after 1 a.m. Eastern, Minnesota sent Mayo’s rights to Memphis in exchange for the veteran sharpshooter Mike Miller and the draft rights to forward Kevin Love.
The Grizzlies also received forward Antoine Walker and guards Marko Jaric and Greg Buckner. The Timberwolves also acquired forward Brian Cardinal and center Jason Collins.
While the transforming Timberwolves bolstered their lineup, the rebuilding Grizzlies only raised more questions.
Mayo and Love Swap Places After the Draft....
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Bulls take Rose with No. 1 pick in NBA draft
By BRIAN MAHONEY – 2 hours ago
NEW YORK (AP) — The Chicago Bulls selected Derrick Rose with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft Thursday night, choosing the Memphis guard over Kansas State forward Michael Beasley.
Rose, a Chicago native, led the Tigers to the national championship game in his lone college season. The Bulls opted for the point guard's playmaking ability over the scoring and rebounding of Beasley, who ranked in the top three in the nation in both categories as a freshman.
Rose is the Bulls' first No. 1 overall selection since they grabbed Elton Brand in 1999. He's the second straight freshman taken with the top pick, following Portland's Greg Oden last year.
The 6-foot-3 guard put on a red Bulls cap, hugged some supporters, including Memphis coach John Calipari, and shook hands with Beasley, seated at a nearby table, before walking onto the stage to meet NBA commissioner David Stern.
Bulls take Rose with No. 1 pick in NBA draft....
As NBA draft looms, Bulls' eye keenly focused on Rose
By Mike Dodd, USA TODAY
CHICAGO — The last time Derrick Rose played on the United Center court, he electrified the crowd with one of the more brilliant performances of his high-school career.
In a span of 20 seconds, the junior guard twice stole the ball and scored on spectacular dunks, leading Simeon Career Academy to the Chicago Public League 2006 championship.
"It was a big stage. I love the big stage," Rose recalled last week.
As NBA draft looms, Bulls' eye keenly focused on Rose....
