At a time when there is no question hype rules the sporting world and the spectacular is worshipped as if it were something of true substance, Bulls rookie point guard Derrick Rose offered a trio of highlight-reel plays Sunday against the Sixers that were perfect for the short-attention-span generation.

1. Andre Miller gets loose for a breakaway layup, slows down to size up the shot and has it swatted from behind by a soaring Rose.

2. Guarded by Miller, Rose works the foul-line dribble and crosses over so quickly that Miller falls down, eliciting a storm of howls from the hometown crowd.

3. Rose leads a two-on-one break with Ben Gordon, throws it to Gordon and then leaps high to flush the return lob with one hand over Reggie Evans.

Go ahead and pick one to use as evidence that Rose is one of the best point guards in the NBA already. Hold it up as Exhibit A that he is on his way to immortality. You know the TV folks have banked all three plays for future use. As for me, I’ll applaud the entertainment value of the highlights and focus on what truly makes Rose great: his ability to run a team.

The NBA is filled with spry youngsters capable of blocking shots, breaking ankles and flushing the rock. However, it has a dearth of people ready to lead, especially in the under-25 crowd. That Rose has already established himself as the Bulls’ floor chief is evidence of his future greatness. There is no denying his physical skills; they are hard-wired. His confidence, poise and excellent decision-making skills set him apart from many veteran point guards and combine with the great natural talent to produce a legitimate sensation. This is no hype-fueled phenom who has little hope of winning a title. Rose is a champion-in-waiting.

Before last year’s draft, I asked an NBA personnel director to choose between Michael Beasley and Rose. He said he would take Beasley if he wanted someone to score a lot of points and Rose if he wanted someone to win games. That’s a telling statement. Rose scored 18 points against the Sixers Sunday and could have had many more, had he chosen to call his own number. Instead, there were many occasions when he pulled out of two-on-two situations or eschewed opportunities to take it himself, in order to run the Chicago offense and keep everyone involved. The result was a team-wide 52.1 percent success rate and abundant open shots that keyed a 31-11 third quarter in a 103-92 win.

Rose wasn’t perfect, of course. He turned the ball over twice (against 10 turnovers) and wasn’t the most aggressive defender. He has a lot to learn, and it will be a while before he is consistently excellent. His first steps in the league have shown it’s coming. Even Sixers coach Mo Cheeks, a former All-Star point man, was impressed. “Looking at him on film, he has great command of the game and of his teammates,” Cheeks said.

Think about that. After just one year of college and fewer than 20 games in the NBA, Rose has “command” of the team. That’s something that can’t be promised after 10 years in the league, much less a quarter-season. Therein lies Rose’s allure and why the Bulls were extremely smart to choose him instead of Beasley with the first pick last June. On a team trying to build itself into contention, a strong, steady hand on the wheel is vital. Often, that comes from a veteran who lacks the incendiary talent but compensates in experience and good decision-making. To get the whole package at such a vital position is a gift from the heavens. Is there any coincidence that the league’s other top young point guards — San Antonio’s Tony Parker, New Orleans’ Chris Paul, Utah’s Deron Williams — have led their teams deep into the playoffs, and in Parker’s case, to championships? This is not to say the Bulls are headed for great things this year, especially as long as Joakim Noah is starting in the middle for them, but there can be no denying Rose’s presence in the lineup is a terrific first step. And, who knows, in an Eastern Conference where both the Knicks and Nets would be playoff teams if the season ended today, the Bulls might just squeak into the post-season.

If they do, keep a close eye on Rose. He’ll be making some great plays, all right, but his genius lies in the little things: running the offense, making the smart move and keeping his teammates involved and interested. None of that will be seen on the highlights. Instead, you’ll find it in the win column. That’s a much better place to be.

GAME OF THE WEEK
Portland at Boston, Friday, December 5, 8 p.m. (ESPN)

The Celtics are cruising along, reaching their 17th victory even earlier than they did last year and showing little evidence of strain. The Blazers, meanwhile, are off to the kind of good start mortals would applaud and will be eager to test themselves against the league’s best as their road trip rolls on. Don’t look for a Greg Oden-Kevin Garnett matchup to decide this one, rather whether the Portland perimeter crew can hang with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

IN THE PAINT

If the Knicks care at all about the NBA, they’ll buy out Stephon Marbury’s contract and set him adrift. The selfish guard’s recent comments about his teammates’ lack of support prove this mess will only get worse. Give him a check and let him sign with a team that has no interest in contending.

Think the Mavs might be regretting trading Devin Harris? He’s scoring 23.5 ppg for the surprising Nets, while Dallas is trying to gain traction in the rugged Southwest.

The latest concern for the Sixers is that they’re pressing too hard to win. A bigger worry should be an offense that can’t integrate Andre Iguodala or Samuel Dalembert and a generous D. The whispers are starting that perhaps coach Mo Cheeks could be in jeopardy.

It’s early, but the Thunder are on pace to win nine games this year, which would tie the Sixers’ ’72-73 record for NBA futility.

Think Mike D’Antoni’s system has a correlation between points and wins? The Knicks have scored 100 or more points 11 times this year and have won eight of those games.

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