DETROIT -- With training camp beginning Tuesday, the Detroit Pistons have spent the past couple of weeks playing pick-up 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."
When Wallace signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract with Detroit this summer, most anticipated he would be a seldom-used role player.
However, Wallace was emphatic that he didn't come back to Detroit just to sit on the bench and not compete for playing time.
"Everything is up for grabs," Wallace said recently. "You come in and earn your minutes. Whatever they ask me to do, I'm going to do."
Kuester, an assistant in Cleveland when Wallace played for the Cavs, said many people believe Wallace is washed up.
"Ben will surprise some people this year," Kuester said. "There's more in that tank than people realize. Ben will be one of the cornerstones of what this team is about."
