April 14, 2009
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December 16, 2008

Greenwood Chronicles

By Darien
NBA Insider

IT’S BEEN a month, and I already feel like Kevin Durant is going to fake an injury after the All-Star break. Seriously though, I know it’s early, but I feel like I’ve seen enough that I can make my early playoff predictions. Lets start in the East, where the Cavs are balling out of their minds and where MJ could probably suit up for the Bobcats and drop 30 on the Raptors.

The East

1. Boston Celtics
Still reaping the benefits from the most unfair compilation of star players on one team; in a conference with more weak teams than strong. What excites me is the fact that KG is still hungry.

2. Cleveland Cavilers
The best home team in the league. If these guys meet Boston in the conference finals, you’re gonna see ratings out the roof. Mark my words. Whoever’s broadcasting it this year should send me a check if this falls through.

3. Detroit Pistons
If these guys play like they played the Lakers on ESPN some weeks ago, they’re over Cleveland. Prince is pretty efficient running that “point forward” spot. (Give it 10 years, and that’s gonna become a real position, with Scottie Pippen doing instructional videos.)

4. Orlando Magic
I’m not so keen on these guys like everyone else. There’s no doubt Howard’s place as the best center in the East. But until Jameer Nelson proves he can do more than throw Dwight oops, I don’t see them making too much noise in the playoffs…

5. New Jersey Nets
…Because they’re gonna run into these guys! Who’s rebuilding? Devin Harris is going to need a nickname pretty soon. That man’s ballin’! Not only that, I don’t think Vince Carter heard us when we said he was done. He hasn’t dunked like this since Toronto!

6. Philadelphia 76ers
This team will be better once they realize that Igoudala cannot make decisions in the clutch. Run it through Brand & you got a better team.

7. Miami Heat
Has a league-leading scorer ever missed the dance? (Looks like my next research topic.)

8. Chicago Bulls
I don’t even think Rose could allow these guys to miss the playoffs, no matter what kind of season Paxson is intending on.

Next time I’ll have my predictions for the West. In the meantime readers, send me your Devin Harris nickname suggestions. Maybe I’ll make it a competition or something. (Don’t try the T-Mac thing. Just don’t.)

Darien is a 10th grader at Daniel Hale Williams Prep School Of Medicine in Chicago. He will try to make the Chronicles a monthly installment this season. Email him at dusableexclusive@gmail.com

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“ I feel that now that all the hype of Barack coming in to office is over, it’s time to get real. People should understand that Barack can’t change everything in a year much less an entire term, so they should be prepared for ups and downs. This is a step not a leap, give him time to settle in and keep in mind that he’s inheriting a wealth of problems that no other president has ever faced.
Jeff •
November 21, 2008

Sports Corner: NBA

BY DARIEN

I’m back…

And I hope the reader feels the same when I say that I’m beginning to feel the excitement of the new season.

We’ve come off an incredible season last year where 50 wins couldn’t even make the playoffs in the West, we’ve seen the rebirth of a historical rivalry in the Lakers-Celtics series, and Chris Paul has now emerged as the best point guard in the league. The NBA looks just as exciting in these first few weeks, and I’m preparing for another amazing year.

So far we’ve seen the return of a Bulls hometown hero, my idol Iverson is in Motown (!?), and the Hawks are 6-1. My heads gonna explode.

Let’s talk Rose first. Never have I seen a point guard that can get out on the fast break and try to dunk on you if he’s got a lane (see Suns game). Derrick Rose has done nothing but do the things he should be doing for our squad. The knock on him is his jumper, but in the Sun’s game I saw him smack two straight threes in T.J. Ford’s grill! I thought Ben Gordon would get in his way, but they’ve done nothing but make each other better.

Now Iverson. Who saw this trade coming? Don’t lie and say you did. Never has my allegiance been so frustrating. I love Allen Iverson. I Flat out adore him, but The Pistons?! That’s like my brother getting drafted to the White Sox! The saddest thing about it though, is the move really looks like it could work. Did you see them come in the Staples Center and dominate? They were looking like the Pistons that broke my father’s heart in ’04, except Chauncey Billups wasn’t looking like a beast and Karl Malone wasn’t looking dirty in Lakers yellow. (Yes, my father is a Lakers fan. It makes me wonder what will happen if they meet the Bulls in the Finals.)

Hawks anyone? This isn’t the first time I’ve written about the Hawk’s quick start, but what’s different is that their defense looks legit. If it weren’t for Paul Pierce, they would be undefeated right now. They are locking down! They have an underrated star in Joe Johnson, a low-post beast in Al Horford, and a highflying freak in Josh Smith. Somebody let that Celtics series go straight to their heads…

Has the league really shifted when I don’t have anything negative to say about the Knicks? I mean it’s not rocket science to understand their personnel should be running and gunning. Mike D’Antoni had to figure that one out?

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November 20, 2008
“ I think OBAMA is going to bring C.H.A.N.G.E to ur country. I am so happy that we have a different ethnic president . I hope he helps our country alot, and that people that dont like him will accept him. I think being a president is a great accomplishment and a hard job , having the world in your hands!!!!!
Keeayla •
“ I think of Barack Obama that he is really going to change and make new good things happen. I am glad that he is the first black president of United States.
Aleah •
“ When I think about Barack Obama I think of a man of integrity and passion. Many people think of him as catalyst for change. Who would have ever thought that we would have an African American president?
*******Naomi ********* •
“ Barack Obama Yeahhhhhhh im Glad he won I couldnt have a Old granddaddy President that would have heart pains but besides that fact Sarah palin is under qulified and Dumb plus John Mccain is The same as bush
Dylan”D-money” •
“ I feel like Barack Obama will really make a change [[and not because that’s his logo]]. I feel he will make the economy fair for evryone [[minorities [&&] non-minorities]]. It will take him a few years to get the USA back on track but i believe he will do it [[with the help of the vice-president]]. We all [[well not all;;McCain-ers]] have hope in him that he will make the United States the way it’s suppose to be.
~|—MARiSSA —|~ :D •