The Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose is only 21 games into his professional career. Realistically, I know it’s too soon to predict what kind of year the Bulls’ No. 1 draft pick will have. But before the Bulls have a chance to trade him or ruin him, I’d like to enjoy the moment a little, sip the Kool-Aid, if you will.
 
In keeping with that sense of optimism, that view of life through rosy-colored glasses, I present “La Vie En Rose,” a series of articles discussing Derrick Rose, the most exciting thing to happen to basketball since “Double Dribble.” Expect hyperbole, unfounded optimism and a complete disregard for other Bulls players and story lines.
 
This week: Rose vs. His All-Star Competition
 
In his inaugural NBA season, Derrick Rose continues to impress fans, teammates and opponents alike with his consistent play and outstanding rookie leadership, not to mention ankle-breaking jukes (see: Andre Miller.) For his efforts, Rose has been named to the 2009 All-Star ballot, joining teammates Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni and Luol Deng.
 
Of the four Chicago players nominated, Rose has the best shot at being the first Bull to make the All-Star team since MJ back in 1998. Rose's chances are bolstered by his relatively weak Eastern Conference competition, guards who pale in comparison to guys like Chauncey Billups, Chris Paul and Steve Nash in the West.

All-Star ballots don't force fans to vote for guards by type (i.e. shooting guard, point guard) and the strongest guards in the East are shooting guards (Dwyane Wade, Ray Allen, Joe Johnson, VInce Carter) so Rose's best chance to make the team will be as a reserve--an honor decided by the league's coaches, not the fans. If the East roster is packed with shooting guards, the coaches will likely want to add a point guard into the mix.

Only six rookies have been voted to the All-Star game in the last 22 years, the most recent being the Rockets' Yao Ming in 2003. Check out how D. Rose matches up against some of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference.
 

MORE: Bulls Videos | Bulls Articles | Bulls Sound | Bulls Blogs | Bulls Page
RELATED: Sarah Spain | NBA Content