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Big Ben turns the big 4-0 today and Bob Lanier turns 66

Two of the greatest Pistons of all time are celebrating birthdays today.

By Sean Corp
Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

While a lot of time is being spent reminiscing about the great career of Chauncey Billups, who announced his retirement Tuesday, we would be remiss if we didn't highlight the other Pistons greats celebrating milestones.

Ben Wallace is celebrating his 40th birthday today! And seven-time All-Star and Hall of Fame member Bob Lanier turns 66 today.

Wallace was born in White Hall Alabama as the 10th of 11 children in his family. Wallace went from an unheralded player at Division II Virginia Union to  bench player in Washington to a throw-in player in the infamous Grant Hill trade. While Wallace was not seen as any worthy consolation prize to the great Hill, Big Ben blossomed in Detroit. He laid the foundation of the Going to Work era with his work on defense and on the glass.

He was a four-time all-star in Detroit and a four-time defensive player of the year. And he, like Billups, deserves entry into the Hall of Fame and his No. 3 hanging up in the rafters of the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Happy birthday, Big Ben. We will always fear the fro.

In Pistons history, Lanier ranks first in points per game, second in win shares, third in points scored, second in rebounds, third in blocks, eighth in assists and 13th in steals. He was a force on both ends of the court who could seemingly do everything.

While he didn't play in a stellar era of Pistons basketball, Lanier is certainly one of the 10 best players to ever don the uniform.

Happy birthday, Mr. Lanier!

We don't have any classic pics available in the archives so I'll just embed Detroit Pistons tweets. Gotta see that fro.

Ben Wallace

Bob Lanier

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