AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP)—If anybody thought Ben Wallace(notes) was going to just play out the string this season with the Pistons, they had better reconsider.
That’s not at all how it’s working out.
Wallace has been rejuvenated by his return to Detroit, providing the same contributions that helped the Pistons win the 2004 championship and nearly repeat a year later.
In Sunday’s 88-81 victory over Philadelphia, Wallace only scored two points, but finished 16 rebounds, three blocks and three steals. Seven of his rebounds came on the offensive glass, helping the Pistons grab a season-high 21.
“I knew Ben was going to be an asset this season because he’d be able to teach our bigs,” Pistons coach John Kuester said. “I never imagined he could have this kind of impact on the court. This is the old Ben Wallace again, and he’s making Kwame Brown(notes), Jason Maxiell(notes) and Chris Wilcox(notes) better just by showing them what it is possible to do.”
Kuester joked that Wallace’s comeback has been fueled entirely by his coaching, but Ben Gordon(notes) has a different opinion.
“This is where Ben feels like home,” said Gordon, who also played with Wallace on the Bulls. “When he came to Chicago, it never seemed like he felt that way, and I don’t think it happened for him in Cleveland, either. He’s been incredible for us this year.”
Maybe he doesn't make a big impact on the scoring,but he's still good at rebounding and at his defense.
I wanna see Ben Wallace make a lot better season that the 08-09 with the Cavaliers.
The only place Ben Wallace was good in,was Detroit,and he's back.
