BULLS: Chuck Checks In: Chicago

Swirsky reports from Orlando on Derrick Rose and his summer league debut

Chuck Checks In: Chicago | July 8, 2008

Joakim Noah and the Bulls will play five games in five days in Orlando.
(Fernando Medina/NBAE/Getty Images)

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Posted by Chuck Swirsky | 07.08.08 | 11:45 a.m. CT

It's day two of the Summer League in Orlando and I offer a few observations:

Let's not get carried away with the much hyped Rose-Beasley match up that took place on Monday. The RDV complex here in Florida was at capacity—not with fans (spectators are not allowed), but with scouts, coaches, ex-players and otherwise, media and everything in between. Doc Rivers had courtside seats with his family. Hey, he just won the NBA title and is a central Florida resident so he's entitled to some perks!

The basketball world was focused on Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley. I understand the build up featuring the top two picks in the draft, but let's get to the bottom line. They don't play the same position. They have different responsibilities on the court. They are at different stages in their basketball world.

Rose, as a point guard, must make others around him better. He is a facilitator who also is a dynamic and aggressive penetrator to the rim. Beasley will never win the assist crown. He looks to score and I mean score. He will have Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion and company to carry the load, but when he gets the ball he will command attention.

Rose plays at a high tempo and his teammates better learn if they want the ball, they have to run with him. I saw the same scenario play out in Toronto with T.J. Ford. In transition ball, you better fill the lanes because Rose will find you.

I was glued to Rose's on-court mannerisms. He is all business. I loved it, summer league or not. He has a competitive spirit I respect and admire. You can't coach it or teach it. I am convinced you are born with it. He was disappointed with his play and with the outcome of Monday's game. He is looking for better results today against the Pacers.

We have to keep things in proper perspective. This is the Summer League. I repeat, Summer League. It's great watching ball in July. I am a gym rat. I love it, but the scores don't mean anything. This is an opportunity for rookies, free agents, young vets and guys looking for a job to get some work in and showcase their talent.

Other quick notes… too many turnovers (18) and too many missed free throws (17) haunted the Bulls, who never led.

The Bulls will tip-off tonight around 6 p.m. CT against Indiana.

It's strange seeing OK City on a jersey, but we better get use to it. We also better become familiar with some young kids on this OKC team, such as Russell Westbrook and D.J. White, playing alongside Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. GM Sam Presti has collected assets and will reshape this team quickly. Within the next year or two, they will be prime time ready in the West. Westbrook is going to be a solid player for years to come. There's a rumor that Durant may actually play in a SL game.

I like the Nets draft, although seven-footer Brook Lopez needs to crash the boards. Zero rebounds in twenty minutes against Orlando.

Former Illini coach Lon Kruger is here watching his son, Kevin, attempt to win a job with the Magic. Kevin played in the D-League last year. Meantime, Lon looks great after undergoing triple bypass surgery last year.

Former Wheaton resident and Heat GM Randy Pfund is also in attendance. Smart move getting Mario Chalmers. He will play a ton for new coach Eric Spoelstra.

Seeing Patrick Ewing and Larry Bird hanging out in the same gym brings back a ton of memories, all good.

Something you'll never see in the regular season: Relaxed head coaches. Smiling head coaches. Got to love Summer League ball.

The buzz around Summer League... Elton Brand. Is he off to Philly? What's going on with Ben Gordon and Luol Deng? Will Corey Maggette wind up in New Orleans, San Antonio or Siberia?

Questions, comments e-mail me at cswirsky@bulls.com. Always a pleasure.