With Ben Wallace gone, whither goest the Pistons?

by Matt Watson on Jul 4, 2006 4:51 AM EDT

This might be a little tough for some of you. Take a deep breath.

As most of you already know, Ben Wallace came through with one last breath-taking rejection in Detroit, surprising just about everyone by turning down the Pistons' and agreeing to a four-year contract with the Bulls.

Don't forget to exhale...

While initial speculation was that Wallace turned down Detroit's $49.6 million offer to accept $52 million from the Bulls, more recent reports indicate that the difference between the two offers was closer to $8 million, putting Chicago's deal at about $60 million.

And now inhale...

It's been clear for some time now that losing Wallace was a distinct possibility, but if it had to happen, most people figured it'd at least involve a sign-and-trade where Detroit would receive some talent in return.

Ben Wallace is no longer a Piston Exhale...

But that didn't happen.

Nope, Detroit lost their most recognizable player, the very foundation upon which their success from the past few years has been built on, and -- perhaps most importantly -- they lost the right to sign an impact player to a big hefty contract which exceeds the salary cap.

Gone out the window is Detroit's Offseason Plan A, which involved re-signing Wallace and adding an athletic slasher (Bonzi Wells?) with the mid-level exception. Instead, it's on to Plan B. What's that? Apparently going after Joel Przybilla with the mid-level exception, and then quietly waiting for the season to start. Because unless I'm seriously under-estimating the amount of wiggle room Detroit has under the salary cap, the team's hands will be tied when it comes to adding another impact free agent.

Sure, Joe Dumars could always pull off a trade, but the team lacks any disposable salaries such as Kelvin Cato, meaning any meaningful trade most likely will have to involve moving one of Detroit's key players.

Okay, you're turning blue -- you forgot to inhale again!

Everyone should relax, because I think Detroit's situation looks more precarious at first glance than it really is, and I seriously doubt it will result in Dumars moving any of the other starters.

Here's what I'd do: move Rasheed Wallace to center and install Antonio McDyess as the new starting power forward. Sign Przybilla to come off the bench, take that sandwich out of Jason Maxiell's hands and mail it to Cheick Samb. With Wallace, McDyess and Przybilla getting most of the minutes and Maxiell given a real honest chance to earn more minutes as the season progresses, Detroit should be able to put some points on the board without completely sacrificing on the defensive end.

If Przybilla does in fact sign, I could see him starting over McDyess, perhaps out of concern about McDyess's durability. Personally, I'm no longer worried about Antonio's knees falling off -- he didn't miss a single game last season and played in 77 games the year before. Plus, he's only 31 years old, which puts him a year younger than Ben Wallace. We don't want to ride him too hard, but I'd be surprised if he can't handle 30 minutes a game.

If you're not too familiar with Przybilla, don't get your hopes up -- he doesn't do much on offense and is almost just as challenged on the free-throw line. But, in less than 25 minutes a game last year with the Blazers, he blocked 2.3 shots per game, averaged seven boards and scored 6.1 points. It's possible the Blazers can convince him to stay in Portland (he can earn slightly more money if he does), but he's said to be excited about the chance to play for a winner.

Because it doesn't look like Detroit will be able to add that slasher they were hoping for, Flip Saunders will have little choice but to turn toward Carlos Delfino as the in-house option. Personally, I expect Delfino to flourish in the role. Don't act surprised, he was a first-round pick for a reason, and it was almost a crime the way he was used so inconsistently last season.

I think one thing is for sure, and that's that Tayshaun Prince is due for a huge breakout season. Without Ben Wallace clogging things up on offense (and without Wallace helping slow down the other team on defense), the Pistons should be running something fierce. I anticipate we'll see a lot more of Tay in the open court, and it honestly won't surprise me if he actually leads the team in scoring next year, or at the very least finishes a close second to Rip Hamilton. Somebody had to be the first to say it, so there it is.

Tay proved in the playoffs that he could carry the team on offense when needed, especially when he took his man into the post. Unfortunately, he was rarely given a chance to shine for an entire game at a time since he's not normally any higher than the third or fourth option, but I have a hunch that will change this season.

For the past few years, it's been very hard to argue with Joe Dumars' success as a GM, but I think his reputation as one of the league's top execs will be on the line this season. I'll never hold his decision to draft Darko over Carmelo, Dwyane or Bosh against him -- we got a championship out of the deal -- but giving up Darko and Carlos Arroyo in a salary dump to clear up salary cap space that the team will never be able to use no longer looks that hot, though it's still graded as an "incomplete" until that future first-round pick is in the books.

You could also argue that dumping Mo Evans for a project second-rounder like Cheick Samb might have been rash, though I say that without having any insight as to what the market for Evans really was. In any event, there's no denying that Dumars has made several decisions with the sole intention of structuring the payroll to accomodate the re-signing of Ben Wallace, which resulted in moving players that might otherwise be awfully useful right about now.

I'm not bitter Detroit didn't break the bank to bring him back -- I'm guessing Wallace's contract will be something of an albatross around Chicago's neck two years from now -- but the contingency plan of Przybilla seems thrown together at the last minute. Detroit will compete in the East next year, and they may even win the Central, but it'll be an absolute dogfight to return to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fifth year in a row.

Unless, of course, Dumars pulls something else out of his sleeve, which to be perfectly honest, we can't really rule out.

How do you expect the rest of the offseason to play out? Tell us in the comments.

Tweet Comment 31 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

The Pistons can’t run because Chauncey Billups is a horrendous transition PG. He’s absolutely brutal.

If you want someone to shoot a 3, or post up at the PG position, he’s your man. If you want someone to execute a set play, he;‘s your man. If you want someone to shoot FTs, he’s your man.

But if you want him to make fast decisions on the fly, to no look pass to a streaking teammate, you will be disappointed 7 times out of 10. He’ll give up a 3 on 1 break, to pull up for his own 3 pointer and it mistakes like that which will lose you ballgames (4Q, Game 7, 2005 Finals).

by themicrowave on Jul 4, 2006 6:34 AM EDT reply actions

This is a great article. It points out the very issues that drove me crazy with Pistons personnel actions; getting nothing in return! Orlando flourished with Darko and Arroyo contributing, popular players besides. Moving Maurice Evans and not re-signing Ben Wallace makes infinitely less sense than packaging them, perhaps along with Arroyo, last year, in pursuit of Kevin Garnett. We’ve not even stood pat; we’ve depleted our talent, while Orlando, Chicago, Cleveland, and Miami have obviously improved. Furthermore, without parting with the team’s nucleus, we’ve got nothing to offer in a trade now that we’ve parted with everyone interesting. Nothing but love for Mr. Dumars, but that’s definitionally executive incompetence.

by Tony Jennings on Jul 4, 2006 6:40 AM EDT reply actions

He’s better than he was in 04, but, overall, agreed.

Joe said he wouldn’t blow up the team unless Ben leaves. Well, stay tuned. I think he’ll do it. Agree with Dan Wetzel’s piece — the time to win is now, before LeBron takes over. As for who, if only Billups wasn’t so cheap, adding Pris and an Iverson/Billups trade makes us whole again, and probably a favorite. I wonder if there’s a way to move Billups and get IVerson in a 3-way?

by hack on Jul 4, 2006 7:23 AM EDT reply actions

End of an era for sure. I’m hoping that things between Wallace and the Pistons (and fans) stay good. He did an amazing job for us and was vital to the team’s turnaround.

That said, I thought McCosky made a valid point in the News: “Also, it is clear the game is changing. Tough, physical defense is being legislated out of the game. Commissioner David Stern wants to facilitate more offense and to do that, the league officials have drastically reduced the amount of physical contact a defender can use both on and off the ball.” I think the playoffs this year proved that – even “Playoff Basketball” will be more about who can make the most acrobatic and1.

I think that Ben leaving signals not only the end of an era for the Pistons, but also for the NBA. In that era, Wallace will still make a lot of people’s lives very difficult, but I don’t think he can be the gamechanging force anymore with what is allowable from a defender. In my opinion, this was the reason the Pistons didn’t match. Joe couldn’t justify spending $60 million (or much more that their original offer) for a player for whom defense is paramount.

by farlane on Jul 4, 2006 9:31 AM EDT reply actions

I think Joe is going to pull the trigger on something big. No way he lets this team die out into the throes of obscurity without a fight. I think Iverson is a decent option. I also wish there was a way to see Garnett in our future. How about trading Rasheed and Delfino for Garnett as the Wolves know they are going to lose him anyway?

by Tom Allred on Jul 4, 2006 9:43 AM EDT reply actions

I honestly think this makes our team better…somehow.

If you can get Pryzbilla, you can, and should, start him over McDyess. What you get with that is a rotation of Pryz/Sheed starting, Dyess taking over for Sheed in the 1st quarter, Maxiell giving Pryz a rest in garbage minutes in the 1st.

Bring back Sheed/Dyess for the 2nd quarter. Pryz for Dyess halfway through, Max for Sheed in garbage time and so on and so forth.

I seriously think we consider dealing Billups because we definitely don’t want this to happen next season all over again.

by Boney on Jul 4, 2006 10:17 AM EDT reply actions

Boy, am I missing Darko right now.

by Tom on Jul 4, 2006 10:55 AM EDT reply actions

Flip better make this team better now that he ran off Ben Wallace.

by the_Allrights on Jul 4, 2006 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

My reaction is that short term, this stinks. It could derail a lot of next year, which Detroit definitely had a shot at winning with very little tinkering. And everyone liked Ben for a reason, great player, perfect fit in Detroit. So it’s really going to stink to see him in a Bulls uniform.

On the other hand, I am sure the contract he wanted would have handcuffed the Pistons after the second year because we already saw his skills diminishing.. Pistons are going to need that salary they just saved at some point in time down the road. Chicago got a good player for two years. After that, we’ll see. But as someone pointed out, by then, that could be when LeBron takes over and we just all watch.

So I’m feeling rather mixed at the moment.

by Kurt on Jul 4, 2006 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

I get a distinctly “Godfather II” vibe from this whole thing.

Here’s Fredo (Fro-do?) betraying his brother(s). And the brother grabs him by the face and says, “I know it was you. You broke my heart.”

Later, Fredo is collapsed in a chair, trying to justify his betrayal. And his brother tells him never to take sides against the family.

Who thinks Ben is due for a little fishing trip?

by El Dangeroso on Jul 4, 2006 2:20 PM EDT reply actions

A starting lineup of Billups, Hamilton, Prince, Wallace…and Pryzbilla makes me a little bit nauseous.

I wonder what his former teammates are saying. I saw Lindsay make the yawn quote about Ben leaving after Lindsay got his dream deal (4.5 over 2 and front office spot waiting for him? Good for him.), but also saw in the same Blakely article that several teammates were upset, including one teammate who “was ‘shocked’ that a contract that would make the 31-year-old Wallace the highest-paid player in franchise history apparently wasn’t enough to convince him to return.” I don’t know if it was him, but if I were Tayshaun, I’d be a little pissed since he took Dunleavy money to remain with the ‘Stons when he could have waited out his deal and gotten a lot more, especially considering his incredible postseason performance. I’m sure he expected the same of ALL of his teammates.

by JackDutch on Jul 4, 2006 2:43 PM EDT reply actions

At $52 million or $60 million, Ben was simply too expensive to bring back, especially given his diminishing skills. Next year might be rough, but I can’t see Miami being better and Cleveland is still growing. Let’s remember that it was our brutal offense that kept the Cavs in the series for so long. Flip is supposed to be an offense-centric coach, so let’s see what he’s got for next year.

Also, there is something to be said for letting a malcontent go. It shows the team Joe D is behind Flip and should quash any ideas of the players running him out of town next season.

Ben had to leave at some point, let’s hope Chicago chokes on the contract of a center whose athleticism is waning, and with it, his game.

by Proctor on Jul 4, 2006 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

Losing Ben hurts a whole lot. Ben wasn’t exactly a true center, but he was closer to one than everyone else in the league besides Shaq and Yao. I still blame Flip for this whole collapse and Ben leaving, but let’s be honest: Ben’s attitude stunk this playoff season. He looked like he was giving about 60% effort at any given moment. So I don’t think you can replace Ben, but it just felt like it was time for him to leave.

The Pistons do need a star if they want to win. The NBA has made it clear that they want to promote guys like Wade and LeBron. The officiating singlehandedly handed Wade the trophy against the Mavs. You couldn’t come within 3 feet of him without getting called for a foul. So a star is necessary but I pray and hope they don’t go after Garnett. Let’s face it: the guy just isn’t a winner. Iverson I’d cope with, but I think he’s also past his prime a bit. He’ll still score plenty, which is what the Pistons need.

I’m hoping they avoid Bonzi Wells. He conveniently turned it on in the playoffs of a contract year after proving he was worthless every game leading up to that.

All in all, I think the Pistons hopes at a title are slim in the future. David Stern is playing the money game. Expect to see the flashy players continue to get every call every night. Watching a guy score 40 on 25 free throws may bore me, but it seems to entertain other people and bring business to the NBA.

by Bobby on Jul 4, 2006 2:52 PM EDT reply actions

I think we should bring Memo back from the Jazz in some sort of trade. I mean he’s making less then what we would have overpaid Big Ben as a defensive specialist.

by pistonsdiehard905 on Jul 4, 2006 3:27 PM EDT reply actions

AP reports: Pistons to replace Ben Wallace with Mohammed?
Posted 7/4/2006 4:12 PM ET | By Larry Lage, Associated Press

DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons reached an agreement with free-agent center Nazr Mohammed on Tuesday, a day after losing Ben Wallace to the Chicago Bulls, a person within the NBA told the Associated Press.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because NBA free agents can’t officially sign contracts until July 12, said the team and Mohammed made an oral pact on a five-year contract — with the final year being an option — that will pay him about $5 million next season.

Feeling a bit better. Yes indeed.

by farlane on Jul 4, 2006 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

Free agent center Nazr Mohammed of the Spurs has agreed to a five-year, $30 million deal with the Detroit Pistons, ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher is reporting.

Nazr Mohammed
Mohammed

Terms were unavailable. Mohammed replaces Ben Wallace, who told the team Monday that he was leaving to join the Chicago Bulls.

Wallace, who agreed to a four-year, $60 million deal with Chicago, helped Detroit advance to four straight conference finals — the first team to do so since the Bulls of the early 1990s.

Mohammed played in 80 games for San Antonio last season, averaging 6.2 points and 5.2 rebounds. He spent the last season and a half with the San Antonio Spurs, winning the NBA title in 2005.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2509256

by Tim on Jul 4, 2006 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

Keep in mind that the Spurs don’t have a single center on their roster and chose to let this joker go.

This is ridiculous.

by Boris Diaw on Jul 4, 2006 4:42 PM EDT reply actions

I’m the biggest piston fan, I will say I was very disappointed when Ben didn’t resign. HOWEVER, they pistons are contenders in the east until they are proven wrong. Like always they like playing with the media, and having them go against them, and this is just the first test. Today they signed Nazr who will be the starting center and hopefully will sign Pryzbilla to come off the bench, if these signing go through they will not only replace Big Ben Wallace but also they will strengthen the bench that needed a little tweaking anyway. So basically what I’m trying to say is that though losing Ben was a rare and bad decision, the Pistons can fight through it like they always do, shock us and hopefully win another for the Motor City!

by A-Dub on Jul 4, 2006 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

Ben Where’d you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it’s been forever,
That you’ve been gone,
Please come back home…

WHY??

by Primo on Jul 4, 2006 6:40 PM EDT reply actions

We should’ve gone after Mehmet man. He’s developing into a superstar with the Jazz. 18 ppg and 9 rpg last season and its only gonna get better. He’s younger than Nazr Mohammed who is definitely on the decline in his career. Heck Nazr hardly had a career at all. Best season numbers, 12 ppg and 9 rpg which was what seems like a million years ago

by pistonsdiehard905 on Jul 4, 2006 6:55 PM EDT reply actions

I hate that Ben walked away from us but I understand why he went to the Bulls. I can give you 10 million reasons. I hope the media and the fans are not to hard on Joe D. He has done a good job and there are not many Teams can say they have had a better run than the Pistons the last 3 to 4 years. I live in Jackson TN, where Tony Delk runs a camp. He has been saying that Ben is going to make a run for the money. If its true about Nazr Mohammed we will be ok. We will not be better but we will be good enough to maintain our winning ways. He is only 28 years old. He shot 50% from the floor and 78% from the line last year. Flip will be able to open up the play book a little more as well. Nazr Mohammed also has been with a winning team and understands what it takes to win a ring. I would understand if Ben’s old teammates are a little upset about him leaving. Do you really think Ben is 2 or 3 millions dollars better than Sheed. My point is that there is not one player of the starting 5 that much better than the other. There were no stars just one big moon. I think Mr. Big Shot is next.I am happy that we have Prince and Rip locked up.

by Carey Anderson on Jul 4, 2006 7:25 PM EDT reply actions

great article. personally, i dont blame dumars for not breaking the banks back for wallace. face it, wallace was the weak spot throughout the playoffs, especially in miami. anytime the pistons began to run on a team or get ahead, the other team would intentionally foul wallace forcing him to shoot free throws. he looked downright old and tired in the finals against the heat. bottom line, the wallace of old is not the wallace of here and now and the future. hes got a few good years left, but not a few great years left. i think dumars made a good decision not putting the team into financial crisis going after ben wallace. dumars knows what hes doing. he watched the original bad boys self destruct while throwing out too much money for a has been isiah thomas. hes not about to make that mistake with big ben. like i said, although ben will be missed, id rather see ben leave than see all five starters leave due to financial crisis.

the pistons will be back this year in the eastern finals. big ben will be sitting at home on his fat wallet watching the game. i still say wallace sold out. what can you possibly due with 60 million that you couldnt due with 51.8? he made it clear to detroit, his teamates, and his fans that 8 million and change is more important to him. detroit made wallace a household name and he chose to turn his back and finish his career somewhere else? it just doesnt make sense to me. personally i dont think he’ll have the success in a mediocore bulls team.

go pistons!

by stephen on Jul 4, 2006 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

I think we’ll be just fine without Ben…
There is definitely no need to break up the other players. Get rid of Chauncey? That would be ridiculous! He is the true leader and mainstay of the team.

by Cameron on Jul 4, 2006 10:16 PM EDT reply actions

Now, the Detroit Pistons are in some trouble. We are watching the collapse of an empire right before our eyes. And we can’t do anything about it. Ben Wallace is a sell out with no loyalty and Dumars will not, I repeat WILL NOT sign a star player. He will do what he always does, which is sign a few losers and pay them too much (ex:Mohammad, Kato, Darko, to name a few.) He got lucky signing losers before and turning them into stars, but this formula will no longer work in this league that is turning into a superstar game. He better think up something good real quick or we are looking at a situation like the bulls after pippen and jordan left. Peace Ben, you washed up sellout

by nolongerbenfan on Jul 4, 2006 11:07 PM EDT reply actions

Pistons need a hero who can at least stand out after losing the game.It used to be Larry,but Flip will never get on the task.Neither Billups nor Ben can be a head.
Go away,no problem.

by Princess Amy on Jul 5, 2006 5:00 AM EDT reply actions

Won’t be the first time a Pistons banger ended up in a Bulls uniform. Let’s just hope the results don’t turn out the same. Ben must really think that even with him next year, the Pistons wouldn’t win it all. At that level of compensation, I can’t see how the difference in offers is worth leaving a legitimate contender. Not to mention the club that took a risk on you to begin with. The Pistons were not cheap with Ben.

How quickly things change in a couple months huh?

by JustMaz on Jul 5, 2006 9:12 AM EDT reply actions

Flip thinks we’ll be better. Ok, Flip.

by the_Allrights on Jul 5, 2006 11:02 AM EDT reply actions

Big ben is a big sellout I wanted nothing but to see him win and make an impact in this league but now I hope he blows his knees out and breaks his head open in a game and becomes retarted. this is like loosing your brother. i spent so much money on wallace merchandise and its all garbage in my eyes now fuck him.

by mark on Jul 9, 2006 11:21 AM EDT reply actions

Ben Wallace = Big Bitch

by mark on Jul 9, 2006 11:27 AM EDT reply actions

ben i am a still fan of you but am detroit pitons………..

am…. pistons for life!!!!………..

from ben wallace leaver…

by ben on Jul 10, 2006 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

ben is a traitor he is evil why would he leave its just plain evel watch hes not gonna be good and want to come back but were gonna say hell no bitch nazr rocks he muslim he will be good watch if he will be the defenceve player on da year and ben wont get much votes he only won cause he was in detroit and everyone loved him now everyone hates him

nazr my boy

peace

by bigger than ben on Jul 13, 2006 10:00 PM EDT reply actions