There were two winners of Tuesday night's NBA Lottery.
The Chicago Bulls, probably the most disappointing team in the league this season, defied odds of nearly 59 to 1 to draw the No. 1 pick.
According to what seems to be the unanimous opinion of draft experts, however, two players have separated from the pack in this draft, and choosing between 6-foot-4 Memphis guard Derrick Rose and 6-9 Kansas State forward Michael Beasley presents the classic positional dilemma. As a practical matter, there is little difference between 1 and 2 in this particular draft.
"You've go two players that are different and unique,"
said Bulls general manager John Paxson in a conference call. "(Rose) is a point guard. The point guard position is the natural leadership position on the team. That's something that every team covets. When you look at most every good team, they have someone in that position who gives them something unique. You saw how Chris Paul played for New Orleans, and he did such a great job leading that team."
"And the other (Beasley) has a unique ability to put the ball in the basket, and
we need a go-to scorer."
Paxson emphasized he is in no hurry to make a decision.
"I'm sure Miami, sitting at two, is saying we'll be happy with whatever is left,"
he said.
Coming off a horrendous 15-67 season, the Heat can use an upgrade almost everywhere. They have no reason to think they will get a lesser player than the Bulls, and they won't have to pay as much for the No. 2 selection.
Because of what Paul has done for New Orleans and Deron Williams has done for Utah, there is a premium on young point guards who might be able to turn a team around quickly.
So the guess here is the Bulls will draft Rose and Beasley will go to Miami. But as Paxson pointed out, a lot can change between now and the NBA Draft on June 28.
