How much does Big Ben Wallace have left in the tank?

by Packey on Sep 23, 2009 6:45 PM EDT in Detroit Pistons News

I'm not exactly sure what the majority of fans think in regards to Ben Wallace the player. From the vote we had on the post a few days ago, it seems most, 80% actually, are happy that he's back with the Pistons. He was a major part of our last rebuilding phase and instrumental in the 2004 championship team. If not just a likable guy, he's a familiar and comforting face around these parts.

But what kind of player are we expecting? Some might think he's washed up and over the hill. Others might think he possesses "value" considering we got him for the VM. Then there are those who think you gotta get to White Castle before the weirdos show up.

Pistons coach, John Kuester, thinks Big Ben has a little more than what people might think:

"Ben will surprise some people this year. There’s more in that tank than people realize."

[MLIVE]

Is this a case where the fuel meter says you need gas, but you really have like 15 miles to empty? I imagine that's the equivalent to be exactly what most expect this season -- a few minutes off the bench. Or does this mean he has enough left where he could legitimately compete for a starting gig? How about somewhere in between?

I wouldn't be surprised one bit if a healthy Ben Wallace plays more than 5-10 minutes a game, but I don't think I'd go as far to say he's a possibility to start. Most Pistons previews seem to agree, as he's being listed as third on the depth chart of "centers."

What do you think Coach Q meant by this comment? Is this just him being overly optimistic? Getting our hopes up?

The season can't start soon enough for us all to find out what this entire Pistons team is made of. It probably won't be a championship season, but it's definitely going to be fun to watch and learn about the new pieces.

Let's hear your thoughts on this.

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i'm so-so

if he can stay motivated, i think he’ll remain a force on defense. the key is keeping him motivated and having fun.

I Like Pie

by mrsunshine on Sep 23, 2009 7:44 PM EDT reply actions

I’m not expecting him to compete for the starting job. That, in my opinion, is almost guaranteed to be Wilcox, at least at first. If Wilcox can’t get things done right away (mind you, I have great faith in Wilcox. I personally think he was the best signing of the offseason for us), then Brown and Maxiell will compete (as sad as the second biggest #1 draft pick bust dueling a 6 foot 7 center is, that will be our predicament if Wilcox doesn’t work out)

Ben will be good for 15 minutes off the bench and as a body to throw at Howard, Garnett and Wallace, and Shaq in the playoffs. Past that, I don’t expect much other than him coaching Wilcox and Villanueva on how to be better defenders.

I do like bringing Ben back. I think that having a familiar face on the team will be great for connecting a team where the starting lineup will possibly contain only one starter from the “Dynasty”, a team that ended less than a year ago. And, plus, I do honestly believe that Ben’s number should be retired by the franchise and it is only fitting that he retires with us.

by Apocalyptic0n3 on Sep 23, 2009 9:56 PM EDT reply actions

I'm not expecting him to do anything but be a leader to some of these young guys...

teach them good work ethic, that sort of thing.

My Music: Some Sorta Giant

by madpoopz on Sep 23, 2009 10:07 PM EDT reply actions

no more than 10min a game unless injuries dictate.

Bernard, Percy and AP oh my!

by VikesPma on Sep 24, 2009 1:10 AM EDT reply actions

If he gets fully healthy and is as athletic as he was last season (which isn’t a guarantee), then I sincerely hope he gets 15-20 minutes per game.

Let’s not forget — he was still the anchor of a devastating Cleveland defense last season. I would love to see him either start the game and give us 6-8 minutes of pure hustle to start the game (1st and 3rd period) OR anchor the 2nd unit — give Kwame the first 6-8 minutes then bring in Ben to give 6-8 minutes of pure hustle to end the 1st, start the 2nd / end the 3rd, start the 4th.

I’m not saying this because I’m nostalgic for who Ben used to be — Old Ben Wallace is Old, I realize that — I’m saying that because Wilcox, CV, and Max (to an extant) are all below-average defenders and defensive-rebounders, and Old Big Ben can still do both of those things very well (the stats demonstrate he was a better rebounder last season than anyone else on our roster!!).

Let’s take the 2nd unit as an example. We could bring in both Ben’s around the 4-6 minute mark of the 1st quarter — which would give us one explosive scorer and an anchor on D.

Starters:
Stuck
Rip
Tay
CV
Kwame

2nd Unit:
Stuck/Bynum
BG
Tay
CV/Max/Wilcox
Big Ben

To me, that gives us our most balanced attack and gives us the best chance to win.

I’m excited that Q-ster thinks Ben still has something left to offer — because I’ve been arguing for that since we signed him.

by brgulker on Sep 24, 2009 10:54 AM EDT reply actions