Ben Wallace News: Pro Sports Daily

Pistons' Ben Wallace closes in on 2,000 blocks

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January 31

Michigan Live

"Ben Wallace is nicknamed "Big Ben" and "Body" for a reason. He is 6 feet, 9 inches and 240 pounds of pure athlete with muscles that look as if they are going to burst through his skin. But when it comes to the list of the greatest shot blockers in NBA history, Big Ben really is a little guy. Or at least a short one. Wallace heads into a game against the Orlando Magic on Sunday just four blocked shots shy of 2,000 for his career -- a plateau that just 16 players have reached. Twelve of those 16 are 7-footers. None of the 16 are under 6-10, which will make Wallace the shortest player on the list. "That doesn't surprise me, because he's somebody who has taken so much pride in what he's been ..."

Ben Wallace on 12-game losing streak: 'Most of this has been on me'

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January 10

Detroit Free Press

"About an hour after his coach gave him props for being one of few Pistons to give a solid effort in the team's dismal home loss tonight to the 76ers, Ben Wallace called himself out. "I got to do a better job of leading this team from start to finish," Wallace said in the Pistons locker room after the 104-94 loss - the Pistons' 12th straight loss. "I know what this team is capable of doing. "I got to get this team ready from the start.""

Ben Wallace keeps coming up big on boards

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December 13

Detroit Free Press

"You can credit coaching great Pat Riley with starting the adage of "no rebounds, no rings." There isn't any talk of championship rings around the Pistons these days, but they are hitting the glass like champions. The Pistons ranked fourth in the NBA in rebounding margin at plus-3.31 entering Saturday night's home game against the Warriors. When asked the reason for the Pistons' success, coach John Kuester credited the player many thought was on the downside of his career entering this season. "A lot of it deals with Ben Wallace," Kuester said of the veteran center. "Ben is really playing at an All-Star level. "He's given us extra possessions -- whether it's off the free throws, whether ..."

Ben Wallace, Chucky Atkins help to revive Pistons again

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December 13

Detroit News

"Maybe sometimes you can go home again. There were some people who looked at the Ben Wallace who played for Cleveland and Chicago and thought he was done. Some of those same people probably thought Chucky Atkins was done, too. But bringing them back to the Pistons has turned into a brilliant move so far, not only for them, but also for the younger teammates Wallace and Atkins are mentoring. Wallace and Atkins, both 35, originally came to Detroit as part of the deal that sent Grant Hill to Orlando in 2000. They were part of reviving the Pistons then -- and now they're doing the same. "I love it," Atkins said after Saturday morning's shoot-around. "Me and Ben Wallace started this thing 10 ..."

Ron Artest: Fight with Big Ben can wait

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December 4

Detroit Free Press

"On second thought, Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest wants to clarify those remarks he makes in the new Sporting News. First of all, about fighting the Pistons' Ben Wallace ... "Ben is cool," Artest told a Chicago radio station, ESPN.com reports. "I admire how he plays defense. "I don't want to fight Ben Wallace in no street. I don't want to fight Ben Wallace on no basketball court. But after our careers are over, I will fight Ben Wallace in the boxing ring. But not out of hatred. But out of it would be a good boxing match. So don't look forward to me fighting Ben on a basketball court, because that's not going to happen.""

Wallace's return to Detroit doesn't surprise Cavaliers

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November 26

Akron Beacon Journal

"When the Cavs last saw forward Ben Wallace they had traded him to the Phoenix Suns along with Sasha Pavlovic in the deal that brought Shaquille O'Neal to town. Wallace said more than once after the team's disappointing loss in the Eastern Conference Finals that it was quite possible that he'd be retiring. Giving the Suns a contract that would ultimately provide the team some cap relief for a possible piece to the championship puzzle seemed like a no-brainer. The Suns ultimately bought Wallace's contract out and when given the chance the 6-foot-9, 13-year veteran re-signed with the Detroit Pistons when John Kuester came aboard as coach. ''I've been knowing Kue for a long time. He was here ..."

Big Ben's Big Job

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October 26

Detroit Free Press

"In years past when Elden Campbell and Dale Davis were brought to the Pistons by Joe Dumars as veteran backups their roles were clearly defined: sit on the bench, be ready and don't make waves. Bringing Ben Wallace back has been different. Originally brought in to be the fifth big man, the veteran center/forward might be called upon to play more than the team expected. "Q (coach John Kuester) started him for a reason at Milwaukee," Tayshaun Prince said of Wallace. "He came in and got four steals in the first quarter and he set the tone for us defensively. Ben has been an example to the younger guys. He's always in your ear, but it's the things he does out there that helps us." So much so ..."

Big Ben dominates on defense - again

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October 25

Detroit Free Press

"Ben Wallace showed Friday night that the 14-year veteran might have something left in the tank. Wallace, a four-time NBA defensive player of the year, grabbed 14 rebounds, had four steals and blocked two shots in 33 minutes as the Pistons beat the Bucks, 95-93. The victory at Milwaukee ended the Pistons' exhibition season at 4-4 and maybe also proved first-year coach John Kuester's previous assertions that Wallace, 35, has something more to offer than just veteran know-how. Wallace, who played with the Pistons in 2000-06 when he was one of the league's top defenders, signed this summer for the veteran's minimum ($1.3 million) after appearing to be on his last legs the past few seasons with ..."

Wallace sits out Pistons exhibition

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October 23

Detroit News

"The Pistons were without Ben Wallace on Thursday for an exhibition game against Minnesota. Wallace was slowed in practice this week, coach John Kuester said, after bumping knees with another player. Rather than risk any further discomfort, with the regular season beginning Wednesday, the Pistons rested Wallace and started CharlieVillanueva in Wallace's place. Kuester said Tayshaun Prince (right toe) and Kwame Brown (left hand) were scheduled to play. Both players expressed doubt for their availability earlier in the week. Kuester said the team hadn't gotten test results for Brown's hand yet. Brown had X-rays Thursday morning for his hand, which he said Wednesday had been feeling ..."

Ben Wallace ready to play his role with Pistons

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September 24

Michigan Live

"With training camp beginning Tuesday, the Detroit Pistons have spent the past couple of weeks playing pickup games at the team's practice facility. Although most of the games involve the younger players, 35-year-old Ben Wallace has been around as well. And Wallace, as he did during his first stint in Detroit, has made quite an impression. "His energy level is very high," Pistons coach John Kuester said. "Ben brings so much to the table, not only a defensive presence but understanding how to play the game the right way. That's been sort of special in having him here back in Detroit. I know he's very happy being back. I expect big things from Ben.""

John Kuester says Ben Wallace has plenty left in the tank

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September 24

Detroit News

"Pistons fans who believe Ben Wallace will be an afterthought on this season's roster could be in for a surprise. New coach John Kuester says Wallace, signed as a free agent late in the summer, has some quality basketball left in him. "Ben will surprise some people," Kuester said Wednesday while taking part in a Pistons promotion at Cornerstone School in Detroit. "There's more in that tank than people realize." Wallace struggled with Chicago and Cleveland since leaving the Pistons, but said recently he feels healthy and energized returning to the Pistons. With training camp beginning Tuesday, Kuester also likes the idea of having guards Rip Hamilton and Ben Gordon on the floor together."

Big Ben Wallace will return -- to the Detroit Pistons

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July 24

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Shortly after the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to the Phoenix Suns for Shaquille O'Neal last month, it was speculated once Wallace took a buyout, and if he didn't retire, that he would return to either the Cavaliers or the Detroit Pistons. Wallace took a $10 million buyout from the Suns. He left $4 million on table. Well, rumors have circulated that Wallace, who had his best years as a pro in Detroit, will sign a one-year deal with the Pistons. A healthy Wallace would be a valuable asset for the Cavaliers off the bench. His toughness is needed in the Cavaliers lineup. But it appears that Wallace's toughness will return to Detroit."

Former Pistons center Ben Wallace back to Detroit?

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July 14

Michigan Live

"The Detroit Pistons are in need of a big man, a relatively inexpensive one. Ben Wallace, $10 million dollars richer after being bought out by Phoenix, is looking for a new home. While there's no deal imminent, the Pistons are going to explore the possibility of bringing one of the franchise's greatest defenders, back to Detroit. Detroit has about $3.5 million to use towards free agents, but would probably not use all of that to sign Wallace. Boston's Glen Davis remains an option, but the Pistons are reluctant to make him an offer because he's a restricted free agent. And the Celtics have said repeatedly that any reasonable offer Davis receives - and Detroit's offer would fall under that ..."

Shaq traded to Cavs on eve of draft

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June 25

Arizona Republic

"Like many of the Suns' recent NBA draft days, this one will be more about who the Suns are sending away with Phoenix agreeing Wednesday night to a trade that will ship center Shaquille O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In exchange for the 37-year-old, 15-time All-Star, the Suns will get about $10 million in savings by acquiring Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic and then releasing Pavlovic, who has only $1.5 million of his $4.95 million salary guaranteed. Phoenix also gets the 46th pick in Thursday night's draft and $500,000. A buyout of Wallace's contract is also possible after injuries reduced his effectiveness and caused him to ponder retirement. He is due to make $14 million this season ..."

Cavaliers' Ben Wallace makes surprise announcement he's contemplating retirement

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June 1

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Ben Wallace is hurting - and mixed with the end-of-season blues, he's wondering if he's played his last NBA game. The Cavaliers forward said Sunday he is considering retiring even though there's one season and $14 million left on his contract that he seems surprisingly willing to walk away from. He is planning to sit down and discuss the issue with his family in the coming weeks. The emotion stems from an injury-plagued season. Wallace was sidelined by a gash on his arm, which happened when he put it through a car window playing football during the All-Star break, then suffered a broken leg, then developed tendinitis in his knee that required painful shock-wave therapy. "I've got to sit ..."

Wallace, Ilgauskas to make decisions

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June 1

Akron Beacon Journal

"They are two of the Cavaliers' elder statesmen and they might be heading on diverging paths after Cleveland fell to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals Saturday night at Amway Arena. Both are under contract for next year. Ben Wallace is reportedly guaranteed to make $14 million in the final year of the mega-deal he signed with the Chicago Bulls several years back, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the veteran Cavs center, holds the key to his future with a player option for about $11 million. While Wallace celebrated a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004, Ilgauskas is still waiting his turn. He thought this year was his best shot. Instead, he will be watching the NBA Finals ..."

Wallace, Ilgauskas weigh the future

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June 1

Akron Beacon Journal

"They are two of the Cavaliers' elder statesmen and they might be heading on diverging paths after Cleveland fell to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference finals Saturday night at Amway Arena. Both are under contract for next year. Ben Wallace is reportedly guaranteed to make $14 million in the final year of the mega-deal he signed with the Chicago Bulls several years back, and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the veteran Cavs center, holds the key to his future with a player option for about $11 million. While Wallace celebrated a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004, Ilgauskas is still waiting his turn. He thought this year was his best shot. Instead, he will be watching the NBA Finals ..."

Ben Wallace considering retirement

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June 1

Detroit Free Press

"ESPN reports ex-Piston and now Cavaliers big man Ben Wallace is considering hanging 'em up. "I'm going to sit down and talk with my family, weigh my option and come up with a decision," Wallace said. "Nothing's definite, but there's a strong possibility that this was my last season." Ben's 13 years into his career and certain his prime was in the Pistons No. 3. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year missed 25 this year, battling several injuries. Big Ben sounds serious, considering he's owed $14 million next year. "I think I deserve (a buyout)," Wallace said. "But if I don't get one and I've just got to give it up, that's what I'll do.""

Ben Wallace tries to heal during layoff

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May 18

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Long breaks between playoff series, like the weeklong one the Cavaliers have now before the Eastern Conference finals begin Wednesday, are good for players like Ben Wallace. The Cleveland power forward is able to rest his weary 34-year-old bones, allowing more recovery time for the broken left leg and strained left knee he's still fighting to overcome. He's able to receive additional electric shockwave therapy to his legs, as he has done weekly for the past several weeks. There's even time for him to zoom his high-powered remote control car around the court, as he did Saturday after the Cavaliers completed another bang-themselves-around practice. This is a whole new playoff experience ..."

Ben Wallace has knee strain

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April 13

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"An MRI today at the Cleveland Clinic revealed that Cavaliers forward Ben Wallace has a patella tendon strain in his left knee. He will not play tonight in Indiana against the Pacers and is currently considered doubtful for Wednesday's season finale against the 76ers at home. The team gave no timetable on how long he may be out. In general, knee ligament strains involve tendinitis or some swelling in the area. The common way to treat it is with extended rest. It is possible Wallace put some extra strain on his left leg when he was healing from a broken right leg, which can often lead to tendinitis in athletes."

Wallace tweaks left knee, but team believes injury is minor

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April 13

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Just when the Cavaliers' big men looked to be out of the training room, they're pulled back in. Playing in just his third game since returning from a broken leg, Ben Wallace suffered a left knee contusion in the second quarter in the Cavs' 107-76 victory over the Celtics on Sunday. He did not travel with the team to Indianapolis Sunday night for Monday's game against the Indiana Pacers and instead will get X-rays and an MRI at the Cleveland Clinic on Monday morning. The team believes the injury is mild, but wants to make sure there is no interior damage. Wallace dealt with the same injury to the same knee in November and got an MRI after banging his knee in a game against the Nuggets. He ..."

Wallace, Varejao return

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April 9

Akron Beacon Journal

"Cavaliers coach Mike Brown won't have to decide just yet whether to start Ben Wallace or Anderson Varejao. Both players returned to the lineup Wednesday night: Wallace after missing six weeks with a broken right tibia and Varejao after missing one game with a bruised right wrist. Given Varejao's numbers as a starter, a case could be made to keep him in that spot. The point is moot for now, because Wallace's minutes will be restricted until Brown learns what he can handle and figures out how to get him back into the rotation. Varejao is averaging 10.4 points on .548 shooting and 7.6 rebounds as a starter. ''Ben's missed a month and a half so I still have to figure out how I'm going to use ..."

Cavaliers' Varejao and Wallace getting healthy

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April 7

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Anderson Varejao didn't seem all that worried about his sore wrist Monday. He came skipping out at the end of the Cavaliers' practice to show off a new tattoo across the top of his back. It read: "Chosen 2." So it was temporary - it looked like Magic Marker, in fact - but it certainly drew quite a few laughs from teammates. Within minutes, Varejao and LeBron James, with his "Chosen 1" tattoo, were posing for cell-phone pictures. The mood was rather lighthearted because the team had received some good news about its two injured big men. An MRI on Varejao's right wrist showed no structural damage. Initial X-rays Sunday showed no break, but he still was held out against San Antonio, missing ..."

Cavs get encouraging news on Varejao and Wallace

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April 6

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Cavaliers got some good news today where their big men are concerned. Forward Anderson Varejao had an MRI on his injured rigth wrist this morning at the Cleveland Clinic. It showed no structural damage and he is being listed as day-to-day. Varejao, who missed his first game of the season Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs, did not practice today, but there is a chance he will practice on Tuesday. Ben Wallace, who has been out nearly six weeks with a broken bone in his right leg, practiced today and was upgraded from out to questionable for Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards. If Wallace reports no problem after a full-contact practice on Tuesday, there's a good chance ..."

Ben Wallace - minus his Afro - is game-time decision for Cleveland Cavaliers

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February 18

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Cavaliers forward Ben Wallace is listed as a game-time decision for tonight's game with the Raptors in Toronto, but fans will notice more than the wrap on his injured right arm. Following the lead of Allen Iverson, Wallace has cut his hair -- no more Afro, no more braids. Wallace suffered a laceration near his right elbow while playing catch with a football over the All-Star break. The laceration required 14 stitches to close. He then had to have more glass removed in a separate procedure on Tuesday."

Ben Wallace could be sidelined due to injury

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February 17

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Cavaliers will be dealing with another injury this week as they return from the All-Star break. Ben Wallace received some stitches in his arm this morning. The Cavaliers have not yet said how the injury occurred.

The injury is believed to be minor and Wallace is expected to go on the team's road trip to Toronto and Milwaukee. His status for Wednesday's game against the Raptors is uncertain, but he may be out a couple of days."

Wallace gets hack of it at free-throw line

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January 11

Akron Beacon Journal

"It used to be one way to slow down the rampaging Los Angeles Lakers in the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O'Neal era when a team was behind. The best way to stop the game and get possessions: Take a whack at Shaq. Get the big guy, a career 53 percent free-throw shooter, to the foul line and hope he misses. Apparently, Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers had a flashback to when he coached the Orlando Magic. With 5:19 left in the game and the Cavs ahead 83-71, Celtics guard Eddie House entered the game on a mission - hacking the Cavs' Ben Wallace, a career 41 percent free-throw shooter. Wallace said Rivers did the same thing to him when he coached the Magic. On the surface, the strategy's worthiness ..."

Cavaliers have wall of defense in Ben Wallace

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December 27

Akron Beacon Journal

"It's the rarest of rarities when Cavaliers forward Ben Wallace crumbles to the floor like a stale, dried-up Christmas cookie. Wallace hit the Quicken Loans Arena hardwood with a thud after Caron Butler drove into him with 8.7 seconds left in Thursday night's game against the Washington Wizards and the Cavs ahead 90-89. It might have been the most significant play in a 93-89 win. After that play, point guard Mo Williams was fouled and made two free throws to seal the deal. More than anything else, it points to Wallace's value to the Cavs. A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Wallace averages just 24 minutes per game, but produces close to seven rebounds and two blocked shots per game. ..."

Team puts gleam in Wallace's eye

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October 5

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"LeBron James stood out in Saturday's Wine and Gold Scrimmage merely for who he is - Olympic gold medalist, NBA MVP candidate and the self-proclaimed King of Akron who now has the key to the city to officially prove it. Newcomer Mo Williams dazzled with the up-tempo point guard play the Cavaliers have coveted for years, and rookie J.J. Hickson's energetic athleticism earned him time in the spotlight as their Gold team topped James' Wine team, 49-45. Meanwhile, at Akron's James A. Rhodes Arena, Ben Wallace tried his hardest to stay behind the scenes. He had six points, three rebounds and several defensive lessons to teach the neophyte Hickson. "He's got to learn," Wallace grinned, ..."