Ben Wallace, the kid from rural Alabama, went from being roadside barber to make money, to counting his NBA defensive player of the year awards and polishing his Championship ring.
Before Wallace returned to Detroit, plenty of Pistons fans had the debate on whether his Jersey would be up in the Palace rafters one day. I was always hoping that one day it would, but thought it would be a long time coming. He did leave to play for the enemy and the organization was quick to hand his number over to Rodney Stuckey and transform the new number three into the face of the franchise.
Now that he’s returned….to glory, for less than a price of a Bean Burrito, I have no doubt that one day the #3 will be hanging in the rafters at the Palace.
Here is a little video special on the man before the Fro, well and a little after, just check out the teal and maroon.
[flashvideo file=https://need4sheed.com/videos/flash_videos/infocus_wallace_1.flv /]
Video Courtesy of The Detroit Pistons and FSD
Great video.
One thing I hope comes out of this season is that “if” Ben retires, that Dumars give him a permanent job: coach, player development, personal trainer for Austin Daye, i don’t care, give him a job.
Nobody can denied that Ben Wallace made a huge impact in the history of the Detroit Pistons. I think the organization has to retired his number we have to remember that is an UNDRAFTED player. I didnt like that the Pistons gave the 3 to Stuckey. I dont like when people remarks that Ben left to play in the Bulls or the enemy also I didnt like the photos of people burning the jersey I think that is disrespectful..Ben is part of the Pistons history books. Fans have to understand that Ben is not the player that used to be he is still having some great nights but the team had change and the chemistry also change. Ben Wallace was great playing with the 2003-2004 team we all know that this is a team SPORT.
I was hoping you would post this video. I saw the commercial on league pass here in St. Louis but I don’t have FSN detroit so – no can do. Ben Wallace is the heart of the team that won that ‘ship in 04. He is a four time defensive player of the year and four time all star. I know his jersey will hang in the rafters but what about his chances at the Hall of Fame? I rhink his career is at least as impressive as Dumars.
Ben Wallace was always an example of an honest man who worked hard for everything he got, a true blue collar role model & champion. Always proud and honored to have him on “my team”.
Ben Wallace has always been my favorite Piston. When he left and I heard people crabbing, I thought to myself, would you turn down $60 million dollars? The answer was -not in a million years! I hope his jersey hangs from the rafters as soon as possible and I hope that he’s with the Pistons in some capacity as long as he cares to be involved with basketball.
they didnt give stuckey his number ben wasnt here stuckey took the number that he wanted get off his back. stuckey said he would be more then happy to give ben his number if he wanted it he didnt care about the number so he let stuckey kkep it. when he gets it retired stuck will change his number that is how it works. GO PISTONS (but lose tonight)
I have the same hope as KleenGee. And where is Ben now, did he get injured again?
the heart and soul of a champ. size dont mean anything its all about heart and bens got more than enough. the real reasons why im a pistons fan and hope he stays with us a year longer. long forgotten art of d is what we need to bring back. kleengee is right hope joe hires ben if he doesnt want to play next year for a defensive coach it will help turn this team around.
Crazy to see Dirk N. so young in that last clip. Ha ha he’s come quite the way as well Agustus Gloop