Rose Plays Hero

The Bulls won their fourth consecutive game with a thrilling 121-119 double overtime win over the Washington Wizards. The real story was Derrick Rose's 37 points and game winning runner in the second extra period (this coming after his would be game winner rattled in and out in the closing moments of regulation). Two key points from this game:

1. The Bulls now have more flexibility going forward with regards to trades/free agent signings. The argument has been for a while whether the team should go after a scoring big man, or a dominant scorer such as Wade. The Bulls have needed a scoring big man since they traded Elton Brand to the Clippers for Tyson Chandler. Yet, the sexy appeal of players like Wade, Lebron, and Joe Johnson have stirred other conversations. To me, Rose's recent emergence as a leader and prime time scorer from the guard position makes it easier to realize the need for scoring in the post. Imagine this lineup:

PG- Rose
SG- Salmons
SF- Deng
PF- Bosh
C- Noah

This lineup would have great balance. Moreover, Bosh wouldn't take over the team, he would serve a role like everyone else. If the Bulls get a player like Wade, he would take over the team for better or for worse. What would Rose do in the fourth quarter with Wade doing virtually everything? Yeah, Wade has a ring, but without Shaq his teams tend to stand around in a complacent manner and watch Wade. To me, Bosh fits into the puzzle but does not take it over.

2. Where is the Bulls defense? Letting Randy Foye torch you isn't exactly the defense the Bulls have been bragging about since the beginning of the season. The lack-luster effort may get lost in the victory, but that kind of effort won't work on this upcoming Western Conference road trip.

End with a poll: Wade or Bosh?