For Whom the Big Ben Tolls by Prospero Pulma Jr.

For Whom the Big Ben Tolls

After trailing the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls finally earned a slot in the playoffs. Okay, the Bulls seemed to roll into the playoffs this year, unlike last season when they had to huff and puff for the last 10 games just to make the trip, but they had to beat the Pistons just to play for a couple of weeks more after the regular season ends. Any NBA fan knows that the Beasts from the East, as what the Pistons are called other than that infamous tag, Bad Boys, are no pushovers, even if Ben Wallace has relocated to Chicago because they have gained Michael Finley, and proof that they were not crippled with Wallace’s resignation is their possession of the best record in the East. And in that game, Ben pulled down close to 20 rebounds (he would not be crowned Defensive Player of the Year several times if he is not a rebounding and shot-blocking demon). Now, the Bulls are chasing Cleveland for the second top spot in the East. Recruiting Big Ben has certainly helped Chicago land in its lofty spot, but the real test will come in the playoffs, especially when the Bulls clashes again with the Miami Heat which used brute force to kick Kirk Hinrich et al. out of competition . Will Big Ben’s muscles work seamlessly with the skills of his youthful teammates? Or will Chicago pirate another big man again to add more muscle?
-Prospero Pulma Jr.-