Meanwhile back at the Friendly Confines (no wait that’s another sport), I mean the United Center, the fans that were on the edge of their seats jumped up in unison as their eyes were glued to the screen above the scoreboard at center court.

“It means a lot to play at home. The Bulls had great players like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman,” said an elated Rose minutes after pulling the token Chicago Bulls cap snuggly on his head while holding up the #1 jersey that was given him as he made his way to the podium. “Just knowing that I can be a part of that history, it’s amazing.”

Downstairs in the War room coaches, scouts, and General Manager John Paxson drew a heavy sigh of relief after weeks and months of agonizing decisions that would hopefully lead the Bulls back to the Promised Land. The Bulls proved that this might be their year (umm…wrong sport again?) by pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the brief history of the NBA Lottery with the ping pong ball bouncing Chicago’s way. The Bulls had a slim 1.7 percent chance off pulling off a miracle, but the Brass must have rubbed Michael Jordan’s head before the airing.

Then the most important debate began since the 1984 NBA draft where the Bulls got some guy from North Carolina dropped in their lap as the third pick overall. Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie went number one and two respectfully, and we all know how that turned out.

This pick seem like more of a challenge between two “would be” superstars in the league, home-grown talent Memphis point guard Derrick Rose and Kansas State forward Michael “The Beast” Beasley. The picked marked the first time the Memphis Tigers had a player being drafted #1 overall in the NBA.

The other previous highest Tiger was Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway as the third pick in the 1993 draft by Golden State, and then was promptly traded to the Orlando Magic.

Derrick Rose, a 6’3” point guard was the second leading scorer for the Tigers dropping 14.9 pints per game (ppg) while hauling down 4.5 boards and 4.7 assists. He was also named to the consensus All-American Freshman team along with grabbing honors as the Associated Press All-American third team, and a Bob Cousy Award Finalist. (Oh, and I forgot one little bit of information), he was selected to the All-Conference USA team and was the League’s freshman of the year.

by Nicholas Gerlach

Save for a couple of moves by Golden State, Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Clippers (who are currently trying their hardest to supplant the Knicks for the title of “Worst Front Office in the NBA”) the 2008 NBA free agent signing period has been duller than Renee Zellwegger. So dull, in fact, that people are already talking about 2010 when the LeBron sweepstakes begins. LeBron’s contract goes through 2010-2011 but he could opt out after the 2010 season. There is a good chance that Cleveland won’t be able to afford him and he will jet for Brooklyn to play for the Nets and be even closer to his beloved New York Yankees. But WAIT…….Greek team Olympiakos has indicated that they are considering making a run at James in 2010.

This is the same team that signed Josh Childress to a three-year $20 million “net” (most taxes and living expenses are paid by the team in situations like this) contract. What are the Aggelopoulos brothers, the billionaire owners of Olympiakos, willing to give King James? There have been reports of $40 million a year “net”. LeBron James has reportedly indicated that he would listen if they were to offer around $50 million annum. He has said in the past that he wants to be the first billionaire athlete and this would be a huge step in that direction due to the international exposure.

Is this going to signify the end of the salary cap in the NBA? This may have to happen to be able to compete with the win-at-all-costs billionaire owners overseas. The Aggelopoulos brothers (the only Greek billionaires that haven’t boned Paris Hilton yet) don’t expect to make enough revenue to cover LeBron’s offer and expect to end up losing money on this deal. But, winning still matters in Europe…and they don’t even fix their games yet. How can NBA team owners compete with the salaries international teams are willing to offer? Lebron James is making less than $20 million a year in Cleveland next season.

It is unlikely that James will end up overseas. But, this might be a wake up call to Emperor Stern and the owners of the NBA. The lure of being an NBA player may no longer be enough. The international talent level is catching up and they are willing to pay, and even overpay, for NBA level talent. If they do get rid of the salary cap…I just hope that George Steinbrenner doesn’t buy the Knicks.

Lebron James picture courtesy of Cleveland Sports Authority

David Stern with Hakeem and mustache picture courtesy of The Sports Hernia