While other rookies fade, Bulls' Rose getting better
The rookie wall is looming large across the NBA, even though this year's group may rank as one of the best in league history.
Memphis guard O.J. Mayo averaged just 14.7 points in March, down from 23.1 in November and 19.7 in February.
New Jersey center Brook Lopez made a surprising charge in the rookie rankings during January and February. But he tailed off in most every category last month, averaging 14.0 points and 7.6 rebounds, compared to 15.9 and 8.5 in February.
Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook went from 20.6 points per game in February to 15.3 in March and shot just 39 percent from the field in those two months.
Bulls guard Derrick Rose somehow defied the trend. He's coming off his best month since November, averaging 16.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.1 rebounds in March, while shooting 47 percent from the field.
"My body's holding up good," Rose said Thursday at the Berto Center. "When you think about the months that you play basketball every day, it's kind of (rough), but it goes quick, too."
By finishing the season strong and helping lead the Bulls to the brink of a playoff berth, it's probably safe to say Rose will be rookie of the year. But two weeks remain before ballots must be turned in.
Saturday will bring one final head-to-head rookie battle when Lopez and the Nets visit the United Center for an afternoon tipoff.
Rose also has another meeting with Charlotte guard D.J. Augustin, who likely is destined for second-team all-rookie. Whether it's a fellow rookie or an established all-star, Rose is relishing the competition.
"You're playing against the greatest players in the world, so you've got to compete every game," Rose said. "It's just fun."
Rose got to know Lopez and his twin brother Robin last summer when all three worked out together in Los Angeles. The Lopez brothers were in the room when a surprised Rose watched the Bulls win the draft lottery.
"They're just good guys, him and his brother, his family," Rose said. "For him to be up there in the category of rookie of the year (contender), I'm just happy for him."
Rose still hasn't recovered completely from a bruised wrist, as evidenced by missed right-handed layups against Indiana and Toronto the past few days. He also suffered from back spasms during Tuesday's loss to the Pacers, but those cleared up in time to participate in Thursday's practice.
"It's tough knowing that you can't really follow through on your jump shot or anything like that, but you still want to win," he said. "So when the game's going on, you really don't feel it that much unless you get hit on it."
NBA rookie leaders
(Through Wednesday's games)
Scoring
Player, team Pts.
O.J. Mayo, Mem. 18.3
Derrick Rose, BULLS 16.6
Eric Gordon, LAC 15.7
Russell Westbrook, OKC 15.7
Michael Beasley, Mia. 13.2
Brook Lopez, N.J. 12.9
Assists
Derrick Rose, BULLS 6.2
Russell Westbrook, OKC 5.1
Mario Chalmers, Mia. 4.8
D.J. Augustin, Cha. 3.5
Rebounds
Kevin Love, Minn. 9.0
Brook Lopez, N.J. 7.9
Marc Gasol, Mem. 7.4
Jason Thompson, Sac. 7.2
Field-goal percentage
Marc Gasol, Mem. .532
Brook Lopez, N.J. .528
Jason Thompson, Sac. .498
Derrick Rose, BULLS .470
Source: NBA
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