Ben Wallace's first stint with the Pistons ranks among the greatest success stories in franchise history. His return reeks of sentimentality as he closes the book on his career.
Though his skills have tailed off dramatically since his career peaked in Detroit as the league's four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Wallace became the latest frontcourt acquisition in the Pistons' roster shakeup this summer. Wallace signed a one-year contract for the veteran's minimum after agreeing to a $10 million buyout with Phoenix, which acquired him this offseason in the Shaquille O'Neal deal with Cleveland. Wallace disappointed many of his wig-wearing fans in 2006 by signing a splashy 4-year, $60 million contract with Chicago, which easily trumped the Pistons' $50 million offer. But Wallace wasn't close to being the same player in Chicago or Cleveland as he was in Detroit. The anger over Wallace's departure has dissipated and news of his return brought a generally favorable response, tempered by lowered expectations. He will compete with Chris Wilcox and Kwame Brown for playing time at center.
"This is the best situation for a 35-year-old Ben Wallace," he said.
Wallace left $4 million on the table in Phoenix to finish out his career in Detroit. It should increase the chances of his old No. 3 jersey getting hung in The Palace rafters after he retires. He was the face of the franchise during its ascent earlier in the decade. Now, the man with the famous 'Fro has shorter, grayer hair and a lot less explosion in his legs.
Wallace believes he can still make a difference on the defensive end, though the Pistons have shifted their philosophy with the free-agent signings of gifted scorers Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva.
"In order to be a great team in this league, you have to play defense," he said. "Teams that play defense are the ones that win night in and night out. Teams that come down and try to beat you on the offensive end, they're not real consistent."
Back in a Pistons' uniform, Wallace expects the fans to give him a warm welcome. He believes his past accomplishments with the organization will overshadow any lingering ill will from his surprising departure three years ago.
"The respect I had when I was here was great," he said. "The cheers I had when I was here was great. The boos I had when I wasn't here, it still was great. It let you know that people do miss you."
