Ben Wallace Back to Detroit?

Posted by Chris McCosky (The Detroit News) on Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 4:19 PM
More about Ben

Funny how these things work. This morning, when I learned the Suns had bought out Ben Wallace, I posted a quick blog, not entirely serious, about the prospect of bringing Big Ben back. Turns out, it could actually happen.

For sure Wallace wants to come back. The question still unanswered is whether Joe Dumars thinks it's a good idea. I am sure he would have to have some conversations with Wallace about his health and what role he would be expecting before any offer was made.

But it makes sense for the Pistons to do this. One, Wallace would come back for the veterans minimum, so they would not have to dip into the $3.5 million of cap space they still have. They could bring in Wallace and still add another younger big. So, it's a no-risk buy.

Second, beside frontcourt muscle, the Pistons' second-biggest void right now is leadership. If nothing else, Wallace would be a huge presence in the lockerroom and a big boost for first-year coach John Kuester, who he played for last year in Cleveland.

Besides, there has to be a Wallace on the Pistons' roster, right? There's been at least one since 2000. It's like a rule or something.

Piston Boris wrote:There's a vocal faction in the Piston fan base that says Big Ben would provide mentoring and leadership.

Those're important--to a point. It didn't help Cleveland against Orlando.

But if he passes the Pistons' physical exams and Dumars OK's it, I'll wait and see how Big Ben rides out the season.

d.James wrote:
Just as long as he wears number 30, right? lol.

And the Hawks are not out of the running for Ben Wallace, who has yet to agree to terms with Detroit (though, one of my best spies up north insists that it’s just a matter of time before Wallace returns to the Pistons).