Just a little bit of advice for Chicago Bulls' General Manager John Paxson — take Chicago-native Derrick Rose with the first pick of the 2008 NBA Draft. Don't hesitate, don't think about it too much, just do it.

Rose is what a point guard in the NBA should be. He's fast, he's athletic, he can shoot, he's a great ball-handler and, so far in his career, he's a winner. The fact that he is from Chicago serves only as icing on the Bulls' lottery-baked cake.

Besides, Rose is looking forward to the opportunity of playing at home.

Rose told the Chicago Sun-Times: " I grew up in Englewood, played in the Chicago Public League, and it would be nice to make my hometown proud and give my family and friends the opportunity to see me play often."

And play often Rose would do. The Bulls' backcourt doesn't exactly have a franchise point guard. Sure, Kirk Hinrich is very solid. Sure, Chris Duhon has surprisingly become a contributing guard, even if he misses the teams' charter from time to time. Sure, Ben Gordon has had a couple of games where he has taken over and looked like an All-Star.

But does anyone honestly believe that any of those three have the capability or talent to lead a franchise deep into the playoffs or even the NBA Finals?

Nope — me either.

While Kansas State's Michael Beasley is clearly the best forward available, it's a guards game, and with Duhon an unrestricted free agent this season, Chicago needs impact guards.

Outside of Phil Jackson's Lakers and Bulls, (the triangle offense doesn't necessarily call for a traditional point guard) name a championship caliber team from the last 20 years that didn't have a hall-of-fame or fringe hall-of-fame point guard.

Lakers 1987-1989 — Magic

Pistons 1989-1991 — Isiah

Bulls are omitted

Houston — Kenny Smith and Vernon Maxwell

Bulls are omitted

Lakers are omitted

Spurs — Avery Johnson and Tony Parker

Pistons — Chauncey Billups

Heat - Jason Williams/Dwyane Wade

I think the evidence is there. Beasley is great, no doubt. But between Chicago's needs, Rose's hometown love and the improved play of Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas last summer, who the Bulls need to pick is clear.

If Paxson were smart, he'd order a Rose.

More From King