Ben Wallace Making Impact on Court

Veteran Ben Wallace making impact on court for Pistons
By Chris Iott
November 10, 2009, 9:35PM

The Pistons knew veteran Ben Wallace would have a positive effect on the team as a leader. The fact he's an asset on the court is a bonus.

AUBURN HILLS -- Coach John Kuester knew Ben Wallace would have a positive effect on the Detroit Pistons this season.

He just had no idea it would be on the court.

"I knew Ben would be an asset talking to our bigs," Kuester said. "I never imagined that he would have the impact playing that he is having right now. He looks like the old Ben."

Wallace leads the Pistons in rebounds (9.6 per game), offensive rebounds (3.9) and blocks (1.3), and he is tied for the team lead in steals (1.3). He has scored 3.6 points per game.

Wallace averaged 2.9 points and 6.5 rebounds in 56 games with Cleveland last season, and his current rebound average is the highest since the 2006-07 season, his first in Chicago after leaving the Pistons.

Guard Ben Gordon said it appears Wallace gained some energy when he returned to Detroit.

"You can tell Big Ben is definitely at home here," Gordon said. "He's playing with energy, and it just seems like he's rejuvenated."

Gordon is not the only one who is impressed.

"It's amazing. The man is 35 years old," forward Charlie Villanueva said. "That's something to look up to. When I hit 35, hopefully, I can do the things that he does."

Kuester said he could tell right from the start in the preseason that Wallace meant business. And Wallace has not let up.

"He's continued it into the season itself, and I'm very impressed with his energy," Kuester said. "He's somebody that's very valuable to this team, not only on the floor, but off the floor as well."

Wallace had his best game of the season Sunday in an 88-81 win against Philadelphia. He scored just two points but grabbed a season-high 16 rebounds, including seven on the offensive end, and had three blocks and three steals.

Wallace did such a good job in that game that he did not leave many rebounds in the air for his teammates to grab.

"He grabs all the rebounds," Villanueva said, smiling. "He's costing me a lot."