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Ben Wallace News & Rumors

Pistons coach Lawrence Frank weighs Ben Wallace/Jonas Jerebko option vs. Thunder
January 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"Pistons coach Lawrence Frank might have an interesting decision for tonight's road game against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Does Frank continue to start defensive stalwart Ben Wallace, or does he opt for more firepower by starting Jonas Jerebko? In Saturday night's 94-91 win over Portland, Wallace started his fourth game in five days. It paid off, as Wallace limited the damage by the Trail Blazers' LaMarcus Aldridge, who entered the game seventh in NBA scoring and put up 25 points."
Austin Daye takes Ben Wallace's advice
January 19
Detroit News
 
"Pistons center Ben Wallace would never describe himself as the warm and fuzzy type. So when he decided it was time to get Austin Daye's attention, it didn't matter when or where that talk would occur — even if it was in the shower after the Pistons' home loss to Golden State on Sunday. In no uncertain terms, Wallace, 37, told Daye, 23, what he expected the next time Daye got an opportunity to play. "He's not doing what we know he can do," Wallace said of Daye's extended shooting slump. "He's one of the best shooters we have. He needs to get his head out of his (butt) and shoot the ball.""
Pistons veteran Ben Wallace keeping his word: This will be his final season
January 8
Detroit News
 
"Ben Wallace says he will take time off after this season and begin law school — probably at the University of Virginia. He is keeping a promise he made two years ago when he signed a two-year deal to return to the Pistons: He said these will be the final two seasons of his 16-year career that has played out with five organizations. That's it. No more basketball when this abbreviated 66-game season is complete. "I am done," he said before the Pistons game. He will play the remainder of the season at center and then retire officially when the season is over. Then he wants to rest his body and then begin the process of being lawyer Ben."
Pistons center Ben Wallace feels for Chauncey Billups' plight
December 15
Detroit News
 
"Most NBA players refer to the league as "the game." Pistons center Ben Wallace frequently refers to it as "the business," and one need look no further than former Pistons guard Chauncey Billups as prime example as to why Wallace uses those words. The Knicks used the amnesty clause on Billups, months after trading for him in the Carmelo Anthony deal. Now, Billups is playing with the Clippers. "It's tough to see things like that happen to one of your brothers," Wallace said. "I feel like I go through it as he goes through it.""
Ben Wallace gets one year probation on drunken driving, gun charges
December 14
Detroit News
 
"Detroit Piston Ben Wallace received a sentence of one year probation, about $2,700 fines and 30 hours of community service for his drunken driving incident in which he also was in illegal possession of a handgun. Wallace, 37, of Bloomfield Township appeared in court Tuesday for sentencing before Oakland Circuit Judge Shalina Kumar. He had faced up to 93 days on the misdemeanor drunken driving offense and up to five years in prison for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit Wallace was pulled over at 2:35 a.m. Sept. 24 on Telegraph Road and Long Lake Road by Bloomfield Township police after his 2007 Cadillac Escalade was spotted driving erratically on the road by an officer."
Ben Wallace gets one year probation on drunken driving, gun charges
December 13
Detroit News
 
"Detroit Piston Ben Wallace received a sentence of one year probation, about $2,700 fines and 30 hours of community service for his drunken driving incident in which he also was in illegal possession of a handgun. Wallace, 37, of Bloomfield Township appeared in court Tuesday for sentencing before Oakland Circuit Judge Shalina Kumar. He had faced up to 93 days on the misdemeanor drunken driving offense and up to five years in prison for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit"
Ben Wallace pleads guilty to misdemeanors in drunken driving arrest
November 2
Detroit News
 
"Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to two misdemeanor charges in Oakland Circuit Court on a Sept. 24 drunken driving and weapons offense in Bloomfield Township. Wallace, 37, of Bloomfield Hills appeared before Judge Shalina Kumar and entered guilty pleas to charges of driving while intoxicated and possession of a firearm while operating a vehicle when intoxicated. Both charges are misdemeanors that carry a maximum jail sentence of up to 93 days. Under the agreement, assistant prosecutor Rob Novy told Kumar his office had agreed to dismiss a charge of carrying a concealed weapon, a felony that can carry up to five years in prison. "He has no criminal record"
Hearing postponed for Ben Wallace on drunken driving, weapons charges
October 26
Detroit News
 
"A hearing for the Detroit Pistons' Ben Wallace was postponed this morning in Oakland County Circuit Court until Nov. 1. Wallace, who faces weapon and drunken driving charges, was arrested Sept. 24 at Telegraph and Long Lake Road after Bloomfield Township police officers said they saw his 2007 Cadillac Escalade swerving. Police said they found an unloaded handgun and ammunition in a backpack in Wallace's back seat.A field sobriety test showed Wallace was over the .08 legal limit. The handgun is registered to Wallace's wife, police said."
Ben Wallace waives drunk driving exam, could avoid jail time
October 4
Detroit News
 
"In a move that might spare him jail time, Detroit Piston Ben Wallace waived his right to a district court exam on drunken driving and weapons offenses Monday, choosing instead to send the matter to Oakland County Circuit Court. In waiving his right to a preliminary exam before 48th District Judge Kimberly Small, Wallace may avoid certain time behind bars. Small has a reputation for sentencing first-time drunken drivers to jail. Wallace's next court date is an Oct. 11 arraignment before Circuit Judge Shalina Kumar, which might be done by mail, his attorney Steven Fishman told reporters outside court Monday. Asked to predict what type of sentence — if any — Wallace could ultimately expect,"
Police: Wallace 'knew he was in the wrong, and he shouldn't have had gun'
September 30
Detroit News
 
"Detroit Piston Ben Wallace is facing drunken driving and weapons charges after being arrested over the weekend for erratic driving on Telegraph Road at Long Lake, according to township police. Wallace, 37, of Bloomfield Hills was pulled over about 2:35 a.m. Saturday behind the wheel of a 2007 Cadillac Escalade, police said. Wallace was arrested without incident for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. A search of the vehicle found an unloaded semi-automatic pistol in a backpack in the passenger compartment with a fully loaded magazine, police said. At the police station, Wallace was given a breathalyzer test, which showed he had a blood alcohol count above the .08 level considered"
Detroit Piston Ben Wallace faces drunken driving, weapons charges
September 29
Detroit Free Press
 
"Detroit Piston Ben Wallace is facing a 5-year felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon after police found an unloaded pistol in a backpack in his car as they arrested him on suspicion of drunken driving Saturday in Bloomfield Township. When officers searched his car, they discovered an unloaded pistol in a backpack in the "passenger compartment" of the vehicle, according to a press release issued by the police department today. Wallace, 37, is expected to appear Oct. 3 for a pre-examination conference in 48th District Court in Bloomfield Township, according to police. He has been arraigned on a 93-day misdemeanor charge of drunken driving and a 5-year-felony charge of carrying a"
Detroit Piston Ben Wallace arraigned on drunken driving, weapons charges
September 29
Detroit News
 
"Detroit Piston Ben Wallace is facing drunken driving and weapons offenses after being arrested over the weekend for erratic driving on Telegraph Road and Long Lake, according to police. Wallace, 37, of Bloomfield Hills was pulled over about 3 a.m. Saturday behind the wheel of a 2007 Cadillac Escalade, township police said. Wallace was arrested without incident for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. A search of the vehicle found an unloaded pistol in a backpack in the passenger compartment, police said. At the police station, Wallace was given a breathalyzer test, which showed he had a blood alcohol count above the .08 level considered intoxicated. The reading was not released by"
Pistons' Ben Wallace has a future in, not on, court
July 18
Detroit News
 
"Ben Wallace wants to be the first friendly face a troubled youth sees when he is on the wrong side of the law. He'll be dressed in his best blue suit with briefcase in hand, ready to tackle another case in court. When Wallace hangs up his basketball sneakers, he wants to go to law school. But will the Pistons want Wallace for the one more season he would like to play? NBA players are locked out, so Wallace packed up and headed to his Virginia home. He can't work out at the Pistons' practice facility and can't have contact with Pistons personnel. Until the lockout is over and Wallace has a conversation with Pistons president Joe Dumars, Big Ben won't know if he'll get one more shot in"
Mulling retirement, Ben Wallace leans toward one more season
June 15
Detroit Free Press
 
"We know there will be a new coach roaming the sideline when the Pistons take the floor next season. But we must wait to see what players will stick around as president of basketball operations Joe Dumars continues the process of rebuilding this off-season. There are decisions to be made, including one from veteran big man Ben Wallace, who is considering retirement. He told reporters Saturday at a charity softball game in Royal Oak that his inclination is to return for the final season of the two-year deal he signed last summer. "I really haven't made a decision yet, but I'm leaning more toward playing," said Wallace, who will turn 37 in September."
Future unclear for Pistons veterans
April 20
Detroit News
 
"Tayshaun Prince and Ben Wallace are used to being in the thick of things come the postseason. But, minutes after what could be their last game together with the Pistons, Prince wondered aloud about how he, Wallace and Richard Hamilton would be remembered. "When guys leave on top, it's a different scenario," said Prince, who is an unrestricted free agent, while Wallace could retire and Hamilton is likely to be traded. "A scenario like this, where things are on a downturn, I don't know how people will perceive us." The usually stoic Prince hopes fans won't allow the bad taste of this season, where the internal drama was matched only by losing 52 games, to sully the good memories of the"
Last hurrah for Pistons' Rip Hamilton, Ben Wallace, Tayshaun Prince?
April 14
Detroit Free Press
 
"Now the waiting begins for Tayshaun Prince. After 10 seasons with the Pistons concluded Wednesday night with a 104-100 victory over the 76ers, Prince will become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career this summer, or whenever the NBA's labor situation is resolved. And Prince, who scored 14 points Wednesday, admitted he had mixed feelings after what will likely be his Pistons swan song. "Whatever happens, happens," Prince said. "I'm excited at the same time to see what the options are. But at the same time I'm nervous because of the lockout and things like that because you don't know what's going to happen. "I'm in the position where I don't want to have no layoffs"
Pistons veterans are likely to leave
April 13
Detroit News
 
"Perhaps it's fitting — or sad — the Pistons' season mercifully will end at the scene of this season's most embarrassing moment: Philadelphia. It was at the Wells Fargo Center that half the roster skipped a morning shoot-around in protest of coach John Kuester. It was the exclamation point on one of the most disappointing, if not bizarre seasons in franchise history. Early-season incidents in Atlanta and Golden State foreshadowed what happened that Friday morning. Players ignored Kuester, and publicly berated him during games and practices. Some outright defied his orders and disrespected the title of "coach." They didn't like Kuester's methods or communication skills. The coach shuffled"
Ben Wallace considers options for future; retirement a possibility
April 6
Detroit News
 
"After the Pistons played the Wizards in an exhibition six months ago, Washington rookie John Wall talked about how quick Ben Wallace's hands were. Wallace compared himself to Muhammad Ali, who relied on guile and smarts in his later years rather than physical gifts. "My legs may not be as quick, but those hands will always be there," he said. Now, Wallace is wondering if those hands are enough. He suited up for Tuesday's game in Washington, but doesn't know if his career is coming down to the final six games. "That's always been the case, the last couple of years," said Wallace, 37. "When the season is over with, I'll see how my body feels. See if I can get my strength back. If can help"
Ben Wallace bracing for lockout; Tayshaun Prince hopeful it will be avoided
March 13
Detroit Free Press
 
"Considering their own battle with NBA owners, you can imagine many basketball players watched with great interest the developments from the NFL on Friday. NFL players decided to decertify their union, and the owners proceeded to institute a lockout that brings league operations to a halt. (So football Sundays could be in serious jeopardy come fall.) The NFL's labor issues mirror the NBA's, with its current collective bargaining agreement set to expire June 30. NBA players expect a lockout to follow with owners tossing around terms such as "hard salary cap" and "viable economic model." So with that in mind, Pistons big man Ben Wallace said Friday that the players are preparing for the"
Father, son share link to Ben Wallace saga
March 7
Detroit Free Press
 columnist Vince Ellis
"The Rev. John Ellis answered the phone call Saturday night as he was driving to his home in Gordo, Ala. He was returning from Selma, Ala., where he had attended the funeral of the Rev. James McBride, 58. Before I go any further here comes full disclosure -- Ellis is the father of yours truly and I had no idea he knew McBride, the eldest brother of Pistons big man Ben Wallace -- until he called me Feb. 26 to let me know that McBride had died after a long battle with cancer. Pops isn't quite familiar with how things work in today's world when it comes to the immediacy of news and wasn't aware that I knew of McBride's death almost as soon as it happened. But I was stunned at this reminder of"
Ben Wallace's brother dies; Piston out indefinitely
February 27
Detroit News
 
"Ben Wallace will be out indefinitely because of the death of his older brother after a lengthy illness. Rev. James McBride, the eldest of Wallace's siblings, passed away today at the age of 58. Wallace has missed time this season because of his brother's illness, and went back home to Virginia to visit him in the past month. Wallace didn't play Friday night against the 76ers, along with many of his teammates, causing a controversy. He, along with Tayshaun Prince and Tracy McGrady had excused absences but didn't play."
How the Pistons' protest went down in Philadelphia
February 27
Detroit Free Press
 
"Ben Wallace wasn't around because he had to deal with the death of a beloved brother. Tracy McGrady basically called in sick -- probably sick of the organization that has become the talk of the league because of dysfunction. Chris Wilcox made himself scarce from the prying eyes of the media before the game. Tayshaun Prince doesn't talk in pregame and wasn't present after the game, which he missed because of a sore back. Rip Hamilton wasn't spotted until walking in street clothes to the bench before the tip. He appeared to be in good spirits. That left Rodney Stuckey and Austin Daye as the only players of the seven to miss Friday's shoot-around to answer questions after Saturday night's"
Ben Wallace: There's always coach-player friction
February 8
Detroit Free Press
 
"Pistons center Ben Wallace added some common sense to the John Kuester-Rip Hamilton saga. Wallace has seen it all in his 14 NBA seasons and said Monday that player-coach friction is a fact of life. "Coaches and players usually don't like each other," Wallace said, prompting laughs from media members. "Players don't like coaches telling them what to do. Coaches don't like players telling them what they're not going to do. "You just got to find a way to go out there and get the job done." The saga has played out over the past month since Kuester benched Hamilton after a Jan. 10 loss at Chicago. It took a more bizarre turn when Kuester deactivated Hamilton for Friday's victory over the Nets"
Without Ben Wallace, Rodney Stuckey, defense folds late in N.Y.
February 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"If you look at what the Pistons were missing Sunday night, it's not surprising they were clueless in slowing the Knicks. The Knicks scored 58 points in the paint in a 124-106 victory, with the 18-point scoring margin of the final quarter accounting for New York's final advantage. Say what you want about the weaknesses of Ben Wallace and Rodney Stuckey, they are two of the Pistons' better defenders. It's safe to say Wallace and Stuckey could have helped against the high-scoring Knicks. "It was important for us to defend tonight and we knew that, but it seemed we wanted to make it the O.K. Corral in regards to a shoot-out," coach John Kuester said. "The score was 91-91 at the end of the"
Pistons without Rodney Stuckey, Ben Wallace, Rip Hamilton tonight at Heat
January 28
Detroit Free Press
 
"The Detroit Pistons will be without three of their veterans tonight, as guards Rodney Stuckey and Rip Hamilton and center Ben Wallace will sit out against the Miami Heat. Stuckey suffered a shoulder contusion against Denver on Wednesday. Hamilton sat out that game with flu-like symptoms and still isn't feeling well."
Ben Wallace: We must focus on winning, not playoffs
January 16
Detroit Free Press
 
"Nearing the halfway point of the season, the Pistons are 2 1/2 games out of the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot amid team dissension and the uncertainty of Rip Hamilton's future with the team. Philadelphia (16-23) was idle Saturday night and in possession of the eighth spot. The Pistons (14-26) haven't won more than two straight games all season. While the Pistons juggle their lineup more than a circus act, any kind of good week of victories would put the team in a situation to play meaningful games in March and April. "Oh, man, I haven't even thought about that (the playoffs)," said Ben Wallace, who missed his third straight game Saturday with a left ankle injury. "I'm"
Ben Wallace: Owners don't bring flash, winning does
January 9
Detroit News
 
"Ben Wallace knows he and his Pistons teammates could've had it worse. Instead of more than a year's worth of speculation about the team's pending sale, the Pistons could've dealt with another color-scheme change for their uniforms. "Burgundy and teal," muttered Wallace, shaking his head about previous looks. "Those were some terrible colors, man. They should never go back to those." Red, white and Pistons blue to the core, Wallace, a 10-year veteran of the organization, probably won't have to worry about any more sweeping cosmetic alterations. And in terms of the future owner, Wallace claims he'll keep an open mind and reach out to the buyer once the deal is done. "It's hard for us as"
Young Raptor Davis getting mentored by Wallace
December 24
Toronto Sun
 
"As mentors go, Raptors rookie Ed Davis could do a lot worse than Ben Wallace. Wallace, of course, is a spectacular success story, having gone undrafted into the NBA via community college and then Virginia Union, the lone NCAA school interested in him. Through hard work and intense desire, Wallace has joined Dikembe Mutumbo as the NBA's only four-time winners of the defensive player of the year award and recently became only the third undrafted player to play in 1,000 games. That Wallace's 1,000th match came against the Raptors on Wednesday night was an interesting coincidence. Wallace has a long-standing connection to young Davis. Terry Davis, Ed's father, like Charles Oakley, is one of"
Ben Wallace enjoys 1,000th game; Pistons win
December 23
Detroit Free Press
 
"Raptors forward Linas Kleiza thought he had an easy lay-up late in the first quarter of Wednesday night's game against the Pistons. But he was destined only to become Ben Wallace's next victim. The 15-year veteran came out of nowhere to smack the lay-up attempt -- one of the many good plays by the Pistons as they destroyed the Raptors, 115-93. In a lot of ways, this was Wallace's night. It was the 1,000th game of his career, which was why he drew a crowd of reporters at his locker before the game, and for 20 minutes he looked back at a career that started when he tried to make the Celtics as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia Union. "I just try to take all the good advice people gave"
Ben Wallace lone Pistons player among top 10 at his position in All-Star voting
December 16
Michigan Live
 
"Center Ben Wallace is the only Detroit Pistons player among the top 10 at his position in All-Star voting. The NBA released the balloting numbers for the first time this afternoon. Wallace is 10th among Eastern Conference centers with 21,858 votes. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is the NBA's leading vote-getter with 722,682 votes. Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard leads the East with 611,561 votes."
Big Ben to DeMarcus Cousins: Don't be frustrated
November 16
Detroit Free Press
 
"Ben Wallace has some advice for Sacramento rookie center DeMarcus Cousins. Remain cool and calm, and the world will be yours. "The boys that can settle down, control their emotions and continue to approach the game with a positive attitude are the ones that usually take off the fastest," Wallace told the Sacramento Bee after the Pistons' 100-94 victory over the Kings on Sunday. "The sky is the limit. "He has a lot of talent, and he is going to have every opportunity to be a star in this league. He just needs to keep working and not get frustrated." That's a tough thing to do while being guarded by Wallace, who used his quick hands to force loose balls when matched up with Cousins. Cousins,"
Back-to-back games impact Pistons' veterans
October 31
Detroit Free Press
 
"Ben Wallace played only 20 minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Friday night's loss. Tracy McGrady had a 6-minute cameo in the first half. Folks could be wondering about the lack of playing time for the veterans, but all you had to do is look at the schedule to see the main reason for their lack of playing time in the second half. The Pistons had to hit the road for Saturday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. If you think back to last season, Wallace would at times have a low-minute total in either game of a back-to-back to preserve his legs. And that's the plan again for Wallace, 36. As for McGrady, 31, he is limited to around 15 minutes per game as he is still working his"
Pistons coach John Kuester can't stop talking about Ben Wallace
October 21
Michigan Live
 
"Veteran players don't have anything to prove in the preseason. It is merely a time to prepare for the start of the regular season. Clearly, the Detroit Pistons' Ben Wallace is ready to start playing games that count. Wallace looked to be in midseason form Tuesday night when he set the tone defensively in a preseason win against the Washington Wizards. A day later, his performance still drew rave reviews from Pistons coach John Kuester. "How great was he last night?" Kuester asked Wednesday after practice. "Holy moly, he was a one-man wrecking machine." Wallace had 11 rebounds in the game, including five on the offensive end, and finished with four steals and several deflections. "My feet"
Pistons' Ben Wallace flusters young Wizards
October 20
Detroit Free Press
 
"Yeah, Big Ben is ready for the regular season. In the Pistons' next-to-last exhibition game, Ben Wallace was a force Tuesday night as Detroit moved to 3-4 in the preseason with a 98-92 victory over the Wizards at the Huntington Center. His stats were modest, with four points, 11 rebounds, four steals and a blocked shot. But he made his presence felt with interior defense and making life tough on the Wizards' young talent. He scoffed when asked if he was in midseason form, saying he was "just working on his craft." But his performance came against one of the most athletic frontcourt tandems in the league in Andray Blatche and JaVale McGee. "I definitely can outthink them," Wallace said. And"
Veteran Ben Wallace leads by example in Pistons' exhibition victory
October 20
Detroit News
 
"To a player of Ben Wallace's stature, the exhibition season is a mundane exercise he'd rather not go through. But in the Pistons' 98-92 victory over the Wizards at the Huntington Center on Tuesday night, he produced a "teaching moment" to his newest pupil, rookie Greg Monroe. Wallace had four points, 11 rebounds and four steals, including two against the No. 1 pick in June's draft, John Wall. Playing against the Wizards' young frontline of Andray Blatche, Javale McGee and Al Thornton, he had more than a "turn back the clock" game. Giving up inches, pounds and years, he hung with the young legs, relying on his relentless motor. "I can definitely out-think them," Wallace said. "I can tell"
Ben Wallace works on post offense for Pistons
October 13
Detroit News
 
"Ben Wallace has been working on his offense around the basket for some time. But he's also heading outside, taking dozens of 3-pointers with Rodney Stuckey during a post-practice drill. And he's not bad. "I would not take that shot unless there was no clock and I had no choice," the Pistons center said. "But I can definitely make that shot without a shadow of a doubt. But that is not what I do." Wallace, however, wants the ball in his hands inside the paint. This isn't a new request or demand. He always has. "I think where a lot of coaches got me mixed up is that I don't care who gets the ball," Wallace said. "But the ball has got to go to the post. When the ball comes into the post,"
Pistons center Ben Wallace leaves mark in drills, as mentor
October 4
Detroit Free Press
 
"Ben Wallace was the last to leave the practice floor Sunday. He was working on his offensive game, jump shots and post moves, but everyone knows the 36-year-old center/power forward makes his money on defense. To make sure he's fresh, the coaching staff and Arnie Kander, the team's strength and conditioning coach, is monitoring his minutes and practice time. "He's participating in some of the drills, some of them he hasn't," coach John Kuester said. "Today he was pretty much active the entire time. It was a very spirited practice. If he feels like his body is struggling he'll tell me, but he's such a competitor. Arnie and Ben have talked to each other. Today he dove for a loose ball. ...He"
Ben Wallace, Pistons agree to two-year deal
August 4
Detroit Free Press
 
"Ben Wallace and the Detroit Pistons this morning agreed to a two-year contract that will pay the veteran center a little more than $1.9 million per season. Wallace said before the end of last season that he wanted to rest his body and see how he felt after the season. As the summer went on, it was evident that Joe Dumars, president of basketball operations, wanted Wallace back. Wallace also wanted to stay with the team where he enjoyed his greatest success. He'll also be a big help to rookie big man Greg Monroe. Wallace, 35, appeared in 69 games last season, starting 67. He averaged 5.5 points, a team-high 8.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and a team-leading 1.2 blocks in 28.6 minutes per game. The"
Ben Wallace officially signs two-year contract to stay with Pistons
August 4
Michigan Live
 
"It's official. It's also no surprise. Ben Wallace will return to play for the Detroit Pistons. 1 0 Share Wallace, an unrestricted free agent, agreed to a two-year contract with the Pistons early in July. The Pistons on Wednesday announced Wallace had officially signed the deal. "This is the place I want to retire," Wallace told the Associated Press after he agreed to the deal last month."
Pistons Re-Sign Center Ben Wallace
August 4
NBA.com
 
"Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has re-signed center Ben Wallace. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. Wallace appeared in 69 games (67 starts) last season averaging 5.5 points, a team-high 8.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and a team-leading 1.2 blocks in 28.6 minutes per game. The 14-year NBA veteran became the 17th player in NBA history to record 2,000 career blocks [at New Jersey (2/2/10)]. At 6-foot-9, he is the shortest player in league history to reach the 2,000-block plateau. Wallace also recorded his 1,200th career steal [at Phoenix (11/22/09)] to become one of only four players (Hakeem Olajuwon, Robert"
Ben Wallace intends to sign 2-year deal with Pistons
July 12
Detroit News
 
"The Pistons have accomplished one of their orders of business for this summer. Center Ben Wallace, who was considering retirement after last season, will likely return for two more seasons. Wallace is expected to earn $1.9 million per season. Wallace, 35, told the Associated Press on Sunday he wants to retire as a Piston and he was going to sign the contract in the next few weeks. Joe Dumars, president of basketball operations, in Las Vegas for the summer league, wouldn't comment on Wallace, saying the contract has yet to be "executed." Dumars said after the season signing and bringing back Wallace, a center, was a priority."
Pistons would 'love' to have Ben Wallace return next season
June 2
Michigan Live
 
"The Pistons don't want to put pressure on free-agent center Ben Wallace, but if the 35-year-old decides to return for his 14th season, vice president of basketball operations Scott Perry says Detroit would "love to have him back." "We'd love to have him back here for another year," Perry told Bret Bakita and Michael Grey on WBBL. "Even though he's getting up there in age, we feel he still has some things to offer." Wallace continues to mull retirement and has said that even if he does return next season, he is still unsure it would be with the Pistons. Wallace averaged 5.5 points and led the team in rebounding (8.7) last season. "Wallace exceeded above and beyond what anyone thought he"
Potential 1st-rounders eager to learn from Ben Wallace
June 1
Detroit Free Press
 
"When it comes to the Pistons, two potential frontcourt prospects realize how beneficial it would be to learn a few tricks from Ben Wallace. North Carolina's Ed Davis and Baylor's Ekpe Udoh -- both power forwards and possibilities for the Pistons with the seventh pick of the first round -- realize the advantage of having Wallace show them the NBA ropes if they are selected by the Pistons later this month. "I would love to learn behind him," Udoh said at last month's predraft combine in Chicago. "He's such a great guy, and he's been doing such a great job so that would be a great opportunity." Udoh, who transferred to Baylor after two seasons at Michigan, is familiar with the four-time"
Ben Wallace's 'little bro' could be a teammate
May 25
Detroit Free Press
 
"Likely lottery pick Ed Davis is quite familiar with one of the Pistons. David, a sophomore power forward from North Carolina, is the son of former NBA forward Terry Davis, who starred at Virginia Union in the mid- to late-1980s. And as Pistons fans know, Virginia Union is the program that produced Ben Wallace, who has won the NBA's defensive player of the year award four times as a Piston. Davis talked openly about his relationship with Wallace at the predraft combine in Chicago last week. "He's like family," Davis said. "We work out all summer. He's always been like an uncle to me."
Ben Wallace unsure of his future with Pistons
May 20
Detroit News
 
"Ben Wallace stood on a brand new asphalt basketball court wearing a red T-shirt with the words "Motor City Makeover" splashed across it. He was one of dozens of volunteers, including present and former NBA players, helping spruce up the Butzel Family Center on the city's near east side. He was happy to help because this is the city where he earned his name. This is where he became one of the toughest defenders in the NBA. This also might be where his career ends. Wallace admitted Wednesday he's unsure if he'll retire, or if he does return to the NBA, stay with the Pistons. "Everybody has supported me, and for the rest of my life I am going to be remembered for what I did here," he"
All signs point to return for Pistons center Ben Wallace
April 22
Detroit Free Press
 
"Although Ben Wallace has said publicly he will wait to decide his future, it's pretty easy to read the Pistons on the subject. They would like to have the 13-year veteran back after a season in which he played 69 games and averaged 5.5 points and 8.7 rebounds. Those modest numbers don't tell the story of Wallace's impact -- a season in which he was the team's most consistent big man with his defensive presence. Wallace, who turns 36 in September, could retire, but that's doubtful. So the Pistons have to decide how much of a raise to offer from the $1.3 million he earned this season."
Pistons center Ben Wallace will wait to decide future
April 3
Detroit Free Press
 
"Ben Wallace will decide about his future after the season. If his legs are fine and he's feeling healthy, the veteran big man would like to play a 14th season. If he doesn't believe he could give the energy and effort it takes to be a major contributor, he'd just as soon retire. "It's according to how I feel once this thing is over with," said Wallace, who battled a knee injury late in the season. "I'll sit down, chill for a minute, talk to the family and see how everything feels." When healthy this season, Wallace was the team's best defensive player and held the starting unit together. His absence has been noticeable as opposing big men have had career games against the Pistons' soft"
Pistons' Ben Wallace may play again before season's end
March 29
Michigan Live
 
"Some NBA followers believe the Detroit Pistons have shut down center Ben Wallace (sore knees) for the season, but coach John Kuester said there's a chance he will return to the lineup. "With a lot of people I would say yes," Kuester said when asked whether fans have seen the last of Wallace this season. "With Ben Wallace, I'm not sure." Wallace missed eight games earlier this month with a right patella tendon strain before returning to play March 19 at Indiana. He has not played since then and was listed as questionable for the game Sunday against Chicago."
Pistons center Ben Wallace to miss game Sunday against Cavaliers
March 21
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace didn't quite make it through an entire game after missing eight games with a right patella tendon strain. Wallace will not play Sunday when the Pistons play at Cleveland. Wallace injured his knees Friday night during a 106-102 loss to the Indiana Pacers and left the game in the fourth quarter."