D-Rose a B-? I think not.

Any Chicago Bulls fan knows Derrick Rose. Despite being the first round pick in the 2008 NBA draft, he is about as humble as any other player in the league. He’s already a local hero, and is one of the leading candidates for Rookie of the Year. He averages 16.6 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson earlier this week, Rose graded his performance so far this season a B or B-. This is not only a complete under estimate, but I would be willing to say anyone who considers themselves a basketball fan would disagree with his assessment.

To compare Rose to the elite players in the league, and grade him with those standards, then maybe a B or B- would be accurate. But the reality is, a rookie in the NBA should not ¬— and cannot — be compared to NBA all-stars. Even LeBron James, arguably the league’s most dominant player, was left out of the all-star game his rookie season.

Perhaps Rose feels like his role on the team is to be an elite player and that is why he gave himself such a poor grade, but he has to realize filling that role takes time. There is no question he is already a team leader and will be an all-star for years to come, he just needs more time. Remember, he is a 20-year-old rookie.

If we grade Rose relative to other rookies in the league, it would be foolish to argue that he shouldn't be graded with an A or A-. The other candidates for Rookie of the Year this season, all of whom were top five draft picks, do not stack up to the Chicago native.

Rose said one of the reasons he graded himself like he did is because they didn’t have enough wins. But wait. Rose's stiffest competition for Rookie of the Year is O.J. Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies. Mayo has had a very solid season — averaging 18.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game — fairly even with Rose. But he has a downfall that can't be ignored: His team’s record is 19-54 this season. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook is another ROY candidate. He is averaging 15.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game — also comparabale to Rose. But again, the Thunder are 21-53 this season.

Rose and the Bulls are 36-40 and have a spot in the playoffs if the season ended today.

The remaining top five draft picks — Michael Beasley and Kevin Love — have also had good seasons, but nothing compared to the other aforementioned rookies.

Rose's other reason for for his low grade — “I've committed too many turnovers.” The Bull's point guard is averaging 2.5 turnovers per game. Compared with some of the ‘elite’ point guards in the league, Rose looks impressive.

Steve Nash averages 3.5 turnovers per game, with Chris Paul at 3, and Deron Williams at 3.5. Granted all of those players average more assists per game than Rose, but as a rookie, his turnover numbers compare pretty well to some of the best point guards in the league.

Stats aside, D-Rose has been the spark-plug of one of the most disappointing teams in the league this season. Rose makes plays on a nightly basis that are as jaw-dropping as seeing the Cubs win a playoff game. He has shown he possesses extraordinary leadership skills and confidence, and he never backs away from any game-time scenario.

As far as being a rookie on a team with no other definitive stars, I give Rose an A for the season. It's going to be a few years before he is considered an elite player in the league, but Chicago fans need not worry — by the time the 20-year-old is done with his career, the Windy City will be smelling roses again in the month of June.

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