As if we already didn't know...the 2012 season will be Big Ben's last

Kstat · 01-07-2012, 05:26 PM

Detroit Pistons veteran Ben Wallace tells Sports Illustrated that he'll retire after season | MLive.com

Hopefully they do something nice for him the last home game. He's probably the 3rd most influential Piston player of all time, After Zeke and Joe D.

Money23 · 01-08-2012, 02:56 AM

And can still change a game when he's in there.

detroitsportsfan · 01-08-2012, 12:04 PM

He's not the player he once was but it's fitting that he'll be retiring a Piston. Looking forward to seeing his name and # in the rafters @ The Palace.

ghandi · 01-08-2012, 08:25 PM

I'd rather see him get traded to a contendor then sign a one day deal next year so he can retire a piston....Its got to be frustrating for him to play on such a bad team.

Stefan S · 01-08-2012, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghandi

I'd rather see him get traded to a contendor then sign a one day deal next year so he can retire a piston....Its got to be frustrating for him to play on such a bad team.

If he wanted to be traded, there is no doubt in my mind that Dumars would accommodate him.

Kstat · 01-09-2012, 05:59 AM

IMO Ben would rather finish his career here, in a place that appreciates him...

Ben spent three years in Chicago and Cleveland getting bashed publicly for the things he couldn't do. I think he came back here for that reason.

papalawrence · 01-09-2012, 09:20 AM

When Ben signed here it was obvious the Pistons were in rebuilding mode and I am sure he knew that. This is where he wants to be and I am glad he will be retiring where he belongs, in Motown.

mn3 · 01-09-2012, 12:05 PM

Ben has a legitimate shot of being in the HOF - he was that impactful as a defensive and rebounding force. But too much of his astonishing athleticism is gone now, and he's no longer an effective performer on the court. I doubt any team would want to trade anything of value to put him on its roster. He'll retire a Piston, as he should.

detroitsportsfan · 01-09-2012, 12:46 PM

Didn't Phoenix actually waive Ben a few years ago (after they got him in a trade)??? His oncourt value has diminished considerably since his prime with the Pistons many years ago. I think it actually started dropping the season before he became a free agent in his first go-around with the Pistons. He never was the same kind of player in Chicago or Cleveland as he was with the Pistons. In fact, the year he resigned with the Pistons (the year before last) might've been his best season since his earlier time with Detroit.

Billl · 01-09-2012, 12:56 PM

Ben had 10.6 rpg, 2.0 bpg and 1.4 steals per game his first year in Chicago. That was still up there among the league leaders even if it didn't match his most dominant years.

I don't think he's a lot less productive per minute than he used to be, but much of his value came from the fact that he totally frustrated offenses all game, every game. Providing that energy in spurts just doesn't have the same demoralizing impact.

hack · 01-09-2012, 01:16 PM

Salary also a huge factor. Hungry peak Ben at$6m or whatever vs. satiated, aging Ben at $15? That tends to distort perceptions of what he did or didn't do on court. Since we got him back we have had bought-out, humbled, back-home Ben on a minimum contract.

tin mad dog · 03-11-2012, 08:23 AM

I really wish he'd stick around one more year and see us make the playoffs again. He's still useful in small doses.

Dave Bing · 03-11-2012, 08:41 AM

He's a pretty solid 9th man. He can still make plays on defense. And I have no doubt that he would come to camp in shape for another run.

hack · 03-11-2012, 11:24 AM

The longer we have him there the better it is for us. Law school will always be there, Ben.

TJPiston · 04-04-2012, 07:43 AM

I'm not so sure this is Ben's last season anymore.

He had an interesting thing to say to Mark Champion during a pre-game interview.

Champion asked him if he's thought about how this is his last go-around for playing in many arenas (such as the United Center the other day).

Ben responds by saying that he's hasn't thought about that and he's just going out there trying to win and be an impact player. Then he adds "who says this is my last go around at teh United Center?" Champion adds kind of a surprised "oh really" type of response right as the interview ended.

I took this to mean that Ben is seriously contemplating a return. Great news if it's in the works.

Dave Bing · 04-04-2012, 08:26 AM

With his regimen, he could probably play into his fifties.

Stefan S · 04-04-2012, 08:47 AM

He would help, both on the court and in the locker room.

Mel Kiper Jr · 04-04-2012, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJPiston

I'm not so sure this is Ben's last season anymore.

He had an interesting thing to say to Mark Champion during a pre-game interview.

Champion asked him if he's thought about how this is his last go-around for playing in many arenas (such as the United Center the other day).

Ben responds by saying that he's hasn't thought about that and he's just going out there trying to win and be an impact player. Then he adds "who says this is my last go around at teh United Center?" Champion adds kind of a surprised "oh really" type of response right as the interview ended.

I took this to mean that Ben is seriously contemplating a return. Great news if it's in the works.

Maybe he means playoffs?

Dave Bing · 04-04-2012, 12:59 PM

Cue Jim Mora.

TJPiston · 04-04-2012, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel Kiper Jr

Maybe he means playoffs?

It's possible.

But Champions' reaction definitely had a "you mean you're not retiring?" ring to it and Ben's laugh and silence were also interesting.

I could be wrong but I got the sense that Ben meant that he may stick around - which is great I think!

Money23 · 04-05-2012, 02:09 AM

Yeah, I like it! Have been a bit bummed watching him lately and thinking that he might be playing in his last games. Would be great to have him here to mentor next year's pick, too.

diecast75 · 04-05-2012, 04:08 AM

the after interview after the last game i think they asked ben if he would come bak...he said ask the fans, let them vote if they want me back...or something like that

tin mad dog · 04-05-2012, 09:41 AM

I vote YES!

Dave Bing · 04-05-2012, 11:29 AM

Ben is pretty much welcome to stay as long as he wants in my book.

TJPiston · 04-05-2012, 11:37 AM

Yup ditto

hack · 04-05-2012, 11:46 AM

No brainer.

mn3 · 04-05-2012, 12:19 PM

Yeah. His presence on the roster means that he'll continue to lead a young team by example. Our future core guys couldn't be surrounded by a better example as a teammate.

detroitsportsfan · 04-05-2012, 05:56 PM

If Tay opts to stay around, nothing wrong with Ben staying. Both are vets (still needed for an up-and-coming team) and both have been solid citizens within the Pistons organization this season.

tin mad dog · 04-05-2012, 08:25 PM

I'd like to see Ben go out on a Pistons' playoff team.

Stefan S · 04-05-2012, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tin mad dog

I'd like to see Ben go out on a Pistons' playoff team.

I would love it, too.

01-07-2012, 05:26 PM	#1
Kstat Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 6,245 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	As if we already didn't know...the 2012 season will be Big Ben's last Detroit Pistons veteran Ben Wallace tells Sports Illustrated that he'll retire after season \| MLive.com Hopefully they do something nice for him the last home game. He's probably the 3rd most influential Piston player of all time, After Zeke and Joe D.

03-11-2012, 08:23 AM	#12
tin mad dog Starter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Long Island City, NY Posts: 9,787 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	I really wish he'd stick around one more year and see us make the playoffs again. He's still useful in small doses. __________________ 2011- Oh Bismack, where art thou?

04-05-2012, 09:41 AM	#23
tin mad dog Starter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Long Island City, NY Posts: 9,787 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	I vote YES! __________________ 2011- Oh Bismack, where art thou?

04-05-2012, 08:25 PM	#29
tin mad dog Starter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Long Island City, NY Posts: 9,787 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	I'd like to see Ben go out on a Pistons' playoff team. __________________ 2011- Oh Bismack, where art thou?

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01-08-2012, 02:56 AM	#2
Money23 Sixth Man Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: F-f-f-f-Flintown Posts: 3,941 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	And can still change a game when he's in there.

01-08-2012, 12:04 PM	#3
detroitsportsfan Bench Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,511 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	He's not the player he once was but it's fitting that he'll be retiring a Piston. Looking forward to seeing his name and # in the rafters @ The Palace.

01-08-2012, 08:25 PM	#4
ghandi Water Boy Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 878 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I'd rather see him get traded to a contendor then sign a one day deal next year so he can retire a piston....Its got to be frustrating for him to play on such a bad team.

01-09-2012, 05:59 AM	#6
Kstat Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 6,245 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	IMO Ben would rather finish his career here, in a place that appreciates him... Ben spent three years in Chicago and Cleveland getting bashed publicly for the things he couldn't do. I think he came back here for that reason.

01-09-2012, 09:20 AM	#7
papalawrence Water Boy Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 859 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	When Ben signed here it was obvious the Pistons were in rebuilding mode and I am sure he knew that. This is where he wants to be and I am glad he will be retiring where he belongs, in Motown.

01-09-2012, 12:05 PM	#8
mn3 Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5,502 : 0 For This Post 3 Total	Ben has a legitimate shot of being in the HOF - he was that impactful as a defensive and rebounding force. But too much of his astonishing athleticism is gone now, and he's no longer an effective performer on the court. I doubt any team would want to trade anything of value to put him on its roster. He'll retire a Piston, as he should.

01-09-2012, 12:46 PM	#9
detroitsportsfan Bench Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,511 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Didn't Phoenix actually waive Ben a few years ago (after they got him in a trade)??? His oncourt value has diminished considerably since his prime with the Pistons many years ago. I think it actually started dropping the season before he became a free agent in his first go-around with the Pistons. He never was the same kind of player in Chicago or Cleveland as he was with the Pistons. In fact, the year he resigned with the Pistons (the year before last) might've been his best season since his earlier time with Detroit.

01-09-2012, 12:56 PM	#10
Billl Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,382 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Ben had 10.6 rpg, 2.0 bpg and 1.4 steals per game his first year in Chicago. That was still up there among the league leaders even if it didn't match his most dominant years. I don't think he's a lot less productive per minute than he used to be, but much of his value came from the fact that he totally frustrated offenses all game, every game. Providing that energy in spurts just doesn't have the same demoralizing impact.

01-09-2012, 01:16 PM	#11
hack Starter Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11,065 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Salary also a huge factor. Hungry peak Ben at$6m or whatever vs. satiated, aging Ben at $15? That tends to distort perceptions of what he did or didn't do on court. Since we got him back we have had bought-out, humbled, back-home Ben on a minimum contract.

03-11-2012, 08:41 AM	#13
Dave Bing Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 4,784 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	He's a pretty solid 9th man. He can still make plays on defense. And I have no doubt that he would come to camp in shape for another run.

03-11-2012, 11:24 AM	#14
hack Starter Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11,065 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	The longer we have him there the better it is for us. Law school will always be there, Ben.

04-04-2012, 07:43 AM	#15
TJPiston Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,636 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	I'm not so sure this is Ben's last season anymore. He had an interesting thing to say to Mark Champion during a pre-game interview. Champion asked him if he's thought about how this is his last go-around for playing in many arenas (such as the United Center the other day). Ben responds by saying that he's hasn't thought about that and he's just going out there trying to win and be an impact player. Then he adds "who says this is my last go around at teh United Center?" Champion adds kind of a surprised "oh really" type of response right as the interview ended. I took this to mean that Ben is seriously contemplating a return. Great news if it's in the works.

04-04-2012, 08:26 AM	#16
Dave Bing Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 4,784 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	With his regimen, he could probably play into his fifties.

04-04-2012, 08:47 AM	#17
Stefan S Starter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Texas Posts: 8,259 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	He would help, both on the court and in the locker room.

04-04-2012, 12:59 PM	#19
Dave Bing Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 4,784 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	Cue Jim Mora.

04-05-2012, 02:09 AM	#21
Money23 Sixth Man Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: F-f-f-f-Flintown Posts: 3,941 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Yeah, I like it! Have been a bit bummed watching him lately and thinking that he might be playing in his last games. Would be great to have him here to mentor next year's pick, too.

04-05-2012, 04:08 AM	#22
diecast75 Water Boy Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 388 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	the after interview after the last game i think they asked ben if he would come bak...he said ask the fans, let them vote if they want me back...or something like that

04-05-2012, 11:29 AM	#24
Dave Bing Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 4,784 : 0 For This Post 1 Total	Ben is pretty much welcome to stay as long as he wants in my book.

04-05-2012, 11:37 AM	#25
TJPiston Bench Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,636 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	Yup ditto

04-05-2012, 11:46 AM	#26
hack Starter Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 11,065 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	No brainer.

04-05-2012, 12:19 PM	#27
mn3 Sixth Man Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5,502 : 0 For This Post 3 Total	Yeah. His presence on the roster means that he'll continue to lead a young team by example. Our future core guys couldn't be surrounded by a better example as a teammate.

04-05-2012, 05:56 PM	#28
detroitsportsfan Bench Player Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,511 : 0 For This Post 0 Total	If Tay opts to stay around, nothing wrong with Ben staying. Both are vets (still needed for an up-and-coming team) and both have been solid citizens within the Pistons organization this season.