Whether he's merely beginning some midseason stumping or taking an uncharacteristically strong -- if biased -- stand publicly, Vinny Del Negro declared Derrick Rose the NBA Rookie of the Year on Monday.
"No debate; it's over," Del Negro said. "There's not even a conversation as far as I'm concerned. And I know [Memphis' O.J.] Mayo is having a great year. And I think [Miami's Michael] Beasley is incredibly talented and can score. But no one has played at the level Derrick has from the start to this point. It's not even close." Informed of Del Negro's comments, Rose looked like he swallowed a Basketball.
"Naw, naw, I wouldn't say that," Rose said. "There are a lot of good rookies out there. I just want to win the award from winning games."
Asked if he'd consider his rookie season a success if he won the award but the Bulls failed to make the playoffs, Rose didn't hesitate.
"Not really," he said. "I could care less about that award. I just want to make the playoffs."
Seeing red: Joakim Noah's famous father, Yannick, sat courtside, although his red pants would have been hard to miss even in the cheap seats. "His swag is crazy," Joakim Noah said.
Noah then played an inspired game, occasionally pumping his fist at his father and other family members. In 29 minutes, he finished with seven points, 18 rebounds (two off his career high) and three blocks.
"Having my family here was a special moment, especially because my dad used to take me to games at the Garden when I was a little kid," Noah said. "To be able to play in this atmosphere, there's nothing better to me."
Taking shots: President-elect Barack Obama's imminent inauguration didn't stop Chris Duhon from playfully tweaking his frequent pick-up Basketball partner.
"I don't think he has a 'best move,'" Duhon deadpanned.
Reggie Love, Obama's personal aide, attended Duke University with Duhon and often stays with Duhon when both are in Chicago. Duhon's up-close view augments the historic occasion.
"For him to be in the position he's in, I'm speechless," Duhon said. "I'm so proud."
Layups: Drew Gooden, clearly laboring, played just 13 minutes, bothered by a sore groin and ankle. ... Larry Hughes' string of not playing by coach's decision stretched to four games. Barring injury, it's unlikely Hughes will play before the Feb. 19 trade deadline as Jeff Wechsler, his longtime representative, attempts to broker a deal with Bulls management's consent.
