Today’s the day that can make or break the future of the Chicago Bulls as. tonight is the National Basketball Association’s Draft.

Since winning the first pick of the draft on May 21, Bulls General Manager John Paxson has two choices: point guard Derrick Rose of Memphis or power forward Michael Beasley of Kansas State.

After much thought, I believe Paxson needs to pick Rose.

Here’s why.

I know that Beasley averaged 26.2 points per game and 12.4 rebounds a game while Rose averaged 14.9 ppg and 4.5 rpg. Rose, though, possesses intangibles that Beasley doesn’t have.

One area that Rose has an edge is leadership. The Bulls lacked this quality by not playing hard during a 33-49 season that resulted in two head coaches being dismissed.

Beasley bragged to the media that he would lead Kansas State to a championship, but his team lost to Wisconsin in the second round.

Rose led Memphis to the national title game by averaging 20.8 ppg and six assists. If it weren’t for Kansas’ Mario Chalmers miracle shot, Rose would have a ring.

Maturity is another reason. Beasley attended seven schools in five years. According to Sports Illustrated, he was expelled from Oak Hill Academy for putting his name in marker on school property, including the chancellor’s car.

“I’m 19,” Beasley told the media. “I’m going to live my life. I’m going to mess up.”

Rose doesn’t have that problem. Memphis teammate Shawn Taggert was impressed with the point guard keeping up his studies and practicing hard everyday.

Rose’s potential offensive impact on the Bulls is being compared to fellow point guards Chris Paul and Deron Williams.

Paul helped the New Orleans Hornets improve from 18 wins in 2005 to 56 wins this year. Williams led the Utah Jazz to the 2007 Western Conference Finals.

Both players averaged over 21 points and 10 assists a game. Their dynamic passing gets their teammates involved and improves the entire team’s play.

Paxson, a former guard, knows Rose’s value.

“It’s difficult to find terrific point guards who can lead your team and make others better,” he said.

That assessment isn’t too far off. Both Paul and Williams aren’t leaving their respective teams. Other top point guards like Steve Nash and Jason Kidd are close to retirement.

Even though Beasley is a great scorer, Rose is a leader who can take the Bulls back to greatness.

Hopefully, Paxson feels the same way that I do.

The Associated Press contributed to this column.

Bob Bajek can be reached at 581-7944 or at rtbajek@eiu.edu.