Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:08 am
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.”
Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:32 am
Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:22 am
Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:53 am
“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.”
Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:01 am
Tue Nov 10, 2009 5:42 pm
Andrew wrote:“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.”
Just about sums it up. I doubt his heart truly left Detroit, though he was quite content to collect the paycheques in Chicago and Cleveland. I know it's hypocritical to knock someone for taking a bigger payday when the opportunity is on the table because I couldn't say I wouldn't do the same (and let's face it, Pax was stupid enough to make the offer) but I can't help but think if he didn't want to leave Detroit, he shouldn't have signed with the Bulls in the first place. And since he did, he should've given them 100% effort while he was there. To see him putting the effort in now while phoning it in with the Bulls really speaks volumes about his character.
Tue Nov 10, 2009 9:49 pm
Tue Nov 10, 2009 10:10 pm
Laxation wrote:I always assumed he took the money without thinking how un-motivated he would be playing without all his mates from Detroit.
Only once he got there he realised it sucked, and it appeared to show in his play.
Wed Nov 11, 2009 8:15 am
Alejandrov011 wrote:If he played for the Suns he won't be as good as he is in Detroit. Maybe he would retired... The beast is back
Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:31 am