This isn't exactly a quote: In his grades, Jonathan Givony gives the Bulls a B, mostly because: Our enthusiasm for Asik was severely dampened once he decided to sign a 5-year contract with Fenerbahce that has no escape clause for the NBA, though.

Although I had read that on various sites, everything we've heard from Chicago outlets since is that he'll be coming over in a "couple of years". I think Paxson maybe even specifically said "two."

I e-mailed Givony and this was his response: Nothing has been signed yet, but it will happen soon his people tell me.

Derrick Rose is in the house.

Henry Abbott: My first question. Do you take seriously the concerns about being in Chicago? The pressures of playing in your home city?

Derrick Rose: No, it's not a problem. I have been playing there for 13 years or so. I kind of stay to myself. I'm used to just playing there. I have my brother and my family to worry about tickets and all that. That's their job. My job is just to play basketball.

Derrick Rose: I won't get nervous until tomorrow or something. Now I just can't wait until all the media stuff dies down.

Scott (Vail): other than MJ, who was your favorite Chicago Bull and why?

Derrick Rose: Scottie Pippen. He did all the little things, and played defense.

Alex (Florida): Derrick would you be disappointed if Chicago took Beasley and you landed in Miami

Derrick Rose: No, I think I'd be a great fit there too.

Henry Abbott: What about being MVP this year?

Derrick Rose: I said that was a goal. You want your goals to be from outer space, almost, so that one day you can achieve it. I just think about playing the game, against NBA opponents.

Jose (Anaheim CA): What are your thoughts of running the fast break for the Bulls (with Thomas, Noah, Deng, Gordon)? P.S. please Derrick, never get a motorcycle.

Derrick Rose: It's really scary. It would be a scary fast break. Just know that. And I don't like motorcycles.

Jason (Tennessee): Derrick, you seem to have a quiet demeanor, but the PG position is about leadership. Do you feel you can be a vocal leader when required?

Derrick Rose: I have been working on that ever since the NCAA finals, and in drills. I yell, tell people what to do, talking throughout the drills. It feels comfortable.

Ryan (Troy,IL): What would you think about playing with Aaron Gray?

Derrick Rose: I would love to throw that guy some alley-oops, or feed it to him in the post.

Henry Abbott: Obama or McCain?

Derrick Rose: Obama is from Chicago, of course I have got to pick him. I don't follow politics much, but I follow him.

Rahul (Chicago): Who was the prototypical pg in your eyes growing up? What did you take from his game?

Derrick Rose: I never studied one point guard. But in the last couple of years, I watch Deron Williams. I watch him a lot. His creativity, leadership, aggressiveness. We're both strong. And he's a big PG.

Henry Abbott: Who'd win a sprint between all the draft prospects?

Derrick Rose: I think I'd get them by an inch.

chris (d.c.): what is your second favorite sport after basketball?

Derrick Rose: Ping pong. That's my second sport. Hopefully one day I'll be in the Olympics playing ping pong.

Henry Abbott: White Sox or Cubs?

Derrick Rose: White Sox! South Side! Yes, the Cubs just swept them.

Justin (Glassboro, NJ): If you go to Chicago...what number would you want (23 is obviously out of the question)?

Derrick Rose: Doesn't matter. They can give me 93 as long as it's the NBA.

Henry Abbott: Let me tell you, right now Kevin Love and Derrick Rose are talking about how great Dennis Rodman was.

Derrick Rose said one of his goals for his rookie season is to be MVP of the league. He knows that talk is a little crazy. But he's also not going to give it up. Asked what kind of player he expects to be in the next five years, he said: "Not a star, but like, a superstar. Something around, like, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, something like that." You know how loves to hear that list? Paul Pierce. Two months ago, no way he makes the cut.

One scout recently said of Beasley, according to ESPN The Magazine, "If you look into his eyes, you'll see Looney Toons playing inside his head."

The top draft prospects will make two-day visits to the Berto Center next week. Kansas State power forward Michael Beasley will be in first, on Monday and Tuesday; followed by Memphis point guard Derrick Rose on Wednesday and Thursday.

Paxson added Del Negro planned to meet with Pete Myers and Ron Adams and, in lieu of bench roles, again emphasized they would have front-office duties.

"There's always a spot in our organization for quality people like Pete and Ron," Paxson said.

If the Bulls decide to select Memphis point guard Derrick Rose with the top pick in the draft this month, they might seek to fill their need for a low-post scorer by acquiring Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal.
The Pacers would prefer not to deal O'Neal within the Central Division, but they might not have much choice. O'Neal has two years and $44 million left on his contract and a recent history of injuries, so few teams would be in position -- or willing -- to make a play for the 12-year veteran.

The Bulls, though, are one of those teams. They have the players -- and, more important, the big-money contracts -- to get a deal done. A proposal built around forward Tyrus Thomas ($3.75 million), one of the Bulls' excess guards -- Larry Hughes ($12.8 million), Kirk Hinrich ($10 million) or Ben Gordon (restricted free agent) -- and a future draft pick meets the salary-cap requirements and might be the best offer the Pacers get.

Although O'Neal is a former All-Star, his value won't be very high because of his contract and because he averaged just 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds last season. The team that trades for O'Neal will be gambling that he can regain his health, which is far from a certainty.

John Paxson
The former Irish basketball player is not being mentioned by many, but would make for an interesting candidate. Paxson knows a lot about winning, clinching a NBA title for the Bulls with a game-winning shot. He also knows about running in a big-time program, currently serving as the General Manager of the Bulls. Pax does not have any college experience, however. He also does not have experience with football.

Michael Beasley: I really like Carmelo’s game, big body, can step out and shoot the J, post up. That’s pretty much it. LeBron, I think everyone wants to play like LeBron, Kobe Bryant. I really try to critique my game and Carmelo.

"If you come to Chicago, the only way I see this wouldn't work out would be if we didn't play defense the way you say we're going to play defense." ... "And then I think that scared him