Ben Wallace Bolts For Chi-Town

Despite the abrupt and shocking departure of the Detroit Pistons' winning foundation, things don't look that bad for Bad Boys 2.

Despite the jaw-jacking and trash-talking(there's going to be a lot from the Cleveland-Miami bandwagon bastards), Detroit's not dead yet.

Despite the loss of superb rebounding and defense (on top of immeasurable work ethic) that Wallace exerted for roughly six seasons, the Pistons' defense won't be ranked among the cellar-dwellers of the league. Prince is a defensive specialist and Hamilton and Billups are underrated defenders. On top of that, Lindsey Hunter is returning.

Pistons fans should see this 4-year-$60 million deal as an opportunity for the team. An offensive opportunity. Everyone knows Wallace's inept offensive game put somewhat-of-a kink in the offense. With elite shooters in Billups and Hamilton and forwards in Rasheed Wallace and McDyess that take advantage of the league's new-moving-screens-rules, Detroit's holds a Phoenix Sunsesque offense.

(You don't believe us? Look at their 60th pick Blalock. Billups isn't as dynamic a passer as Nash, but he gets the job done. Tayshaun Prince will only get better and excels on the fastbreak and halfcourt offense.)

We know Wallace's rebounding sprung those countless fastbreak points and defensive energy that carried onto the other side of the ball. The best Dumars can do is find replacements that best emulate the energy, rebounding, and defense of the late Wallace. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen in this free agent market. At least big-man wise.

Detroit has to add Bonzi Wells to this roster, or say goodbye to that division title and playoff streak. Wells is exactly what the Pistons needed this past postseason. He's what they needed this summer to complete their third Finals appearance since 2004. With the exile of Ben Wallace, that possibility is as slim as Denzel Washington going soft on us. At least this coming season. Dumars just has to resume in the rebuilding-mode that took place the second Wallace stepped in JD's office to break news of his Chicago-bound trip.

As a Ben Wallace fan, we have nothing to say but good things about Wallace. After all, a championship (and a legit shot at a repeat) was built around this guy. People tend to forget that he's a world-class athlete. His work ethic and team-first mentality clouds the fact that he wants to get paid, like any other athlete. In our eyes, he deserves that $60 million. Ben couldn't have picked a worse team to sign with (with the exception of Cleveland and Miami), but we wish him good luck in this next plateau of his career; proving he's worth his contract.

Then again, our negative side occasionally kicks in and makes us type rash statements. Then again, congratulations Mr. Wallace, say hi to Jay Mariotti for us. We're sure you two won't bump heads in the media. Besides, Mariotti gives a fair shake with all of the sports teams and athletes he covers. We'd also like to bestow our best wishes in following in the footsteps of Jordan and living up to the pressure of bringing a championship to the Windy City.

Mav60@hotmail.com for feedback

Shaun Lehmkuhl also is linked to a sports blog on SpawnNSports.blogspot.com/

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Date

Tue 07/04/06, 8:22 pm EST