Taking a look back at the big stories of the NBA Draft 1st Round...

After all the drama of whether Pat Riley would select Michael Beasley or not, it all seems so foolish after the fact. As we should all well know, the draft is a product that needs to get ratings, and letting it be known the first three picks are all locks doesn't interest the casual fan. In the end, the top three prospects found their appropriate spots.

1. Chicago Bulls - Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis
I think John Paxson has the right frame of mind when approaching this current situation. Or maybe it was Jay Bilas. Either way, there's no point in framing your pick based on who you currently possess if those pieces aren't capable of winning. Instead, get the player you feel can best lead you into the future and make roster moves reacting to that individual. I'm sure Gordon or Hinrich will be moved, and if they aren't, so be it. Paxson made a statement that defintely perked up a few ears when he said he wouldn't force Rose onto the court early. No need to overreact, he's just playing a welcoming GM and trying to limit the pressure. Rose will start on opening day and run the team. Whoever isn't willing to follow him will be shown the door.

2. Miami Heat - Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State
Was it just me or did you cringe when one of Beasley's first comments during his interview with Stephen Is. Annoying was that he's just a guy who likes to have fun off the court. Yo, Mike, that's why you were possibly going to fall. Keep your talk about the on-court intentions you have. Nonetheless, this is as talented a No. 2 pick as you can hope for, especially for the team that finished with the worst record last season and got ponged out of the 1st overall spot. Is he the most NBA ready player? Or is...

3. Minnesota Timberwolves - O.J. Mayo, SG, USC
UPDATE: O.J. will now be teamed up with Mike Conley in Memphis. We still expect him to do quite well.
Fortunately, there's a guy named Steve Francis who still makes Mayo look like he performed cartwheels upon learning of his new destination. No one should be thrilled about spending a winter in Minneapolis, unless you're Marko Jaric and have Adriana Lima keeping your bed warm. That said, Mayo still held himself well, dressed as sharp as anyone, and will be the spotlight at the Target Center. You could do a whole lot worse than teaming with a guy like Al Jefferson who's just figuring out how dominant he can be.

Who will have the best rookie season among these three?