In the season, Rose averaged 16.8 points and 6.3 assists in 37 minutes per game. He shot 47.5% from the field and 78.8% at the free throw line. He, also was able to stay healthy, playing in 81 of the team’s 82 games.

In the playoffs, Rose has been even better. In his first postseason game of his career, Rose scored 36 points and dished off 11 assists against the defending champion Boston Celtics. The Bulls were able to win that game by a final score of 105-103.

Currently, Rose is preparing for Game 3 of the first round series against the Celtics with the series tied 1-1.

OJ Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies finished second in the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year voting, followed by Brook Lopez, Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon.

Derrick Rose, 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year (Image: Newscom)

Post from: EveryJoe

Derrick Rose Wins NBA Rookie of the Year

5. Eric Gordon, Los Angeles Clippers
Once given a starting spot, Gordon took off. Although he doesn’t have great height for the shooting guard position, he’s built like a tank and his strength makes him dangerous anywhere on the court.

4. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Early on, it appeared as if Westbrook could be a bust. But he gradually got better and right now he might be playing better than any rookie in the NBA. Next to Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, Westbrook could become a star.

3. Brook Lopez, New Jersey Nets
The best bigman in the 2008-09 rookie class appears to be Lopez of the Nets. He has very good nice and understands the game extremely well. Going forward, he’ll be a double-double machine.

2. OJ Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies
Scouts weren’t convinced Mayo could make a successful jump to the NBA. But after his rookie year, most scouts agree that he has star potential. Mayo can score and his defense is underrated.

1. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
The number one overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft has a great chance of winning the Rookie of the Year. Despite inconsistency and struggles here and there, Rose has likely done enough to win the award.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls - NBA Rookie of the Year (Image: Newscom)

Post from: EveryJoe

NBA Rookie of the Year Candidates 2009

OJ Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies
In college, everyone thought OJ Mayo was a ballhogging moron. But on the NBA level, he has proven that sentiment to be wrong. He’s been a very smart scorer who doesn’t overly force the action. Playing in Memphis hurts his chances.

Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers
Greg Oden was one of the most hyped rookies of the past 20 years coming into this season. But after getting hurt early on and not doing much since getting healthy, Oden still has a lot to prove before he could win the Rookie of the Year award. That said, if he gets on a dominant streak, he still has a chance.

Michael Beasley, Miami Heat
The Heat have made sure that Michael Beasley only gets to play when he’s defending. For that reason, his minutes have been somewhat sporadic. When he plays, Beasley has been pretty darn good. He can score from many spots on the court and can also rebound better than his size would indicate.

Photo credit: Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

NBA Rookie of the Year Candidates and Odds