Manu20
04-15-2005, 12:27 PM
Friday, April 15, 2005
Pistons: Notebook
Wallace craves defensive honor
Another NBA Finals appearance would rank higher, but player of the year has a nice ring, too.
By Terry Foster / The Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0504/15/H03-151619.htm
AUBURN HILLS -- The Ben Wallace watch is in full throttle.
About this time every year, debates center on whether Wallace should be named NBA defensive player of the year. His chances look good this season, although he faces stiff competition.
Wallace is enjoying one of his finest defensive seasons, and almost as important, he doesn't have to worry about a campaign by Pacers coach Rick Carlisle for suspended Ron Artest, who won the award last season.
But Wallace will be challenged by Bruce Bowen and Tim Duncan of the Spurs, Larry Hughes of the Wizards and Marcus Camby of the Nuggets.
Wallace said his principal focus is to repeat as an NBA champion, but he admits the award is important to him.
"Yeah, it means a lot, but it is not something I am going to hang my hat on," he said. "Getting back to the Finals is our main focus. If it (the defensive award) happens, I will definitely cherish it. I would love to win it."
During the Pistons' 103-94 victory over the Magic on Wednesday night, Wallace surpassed 100 blocks and 100 steals for the fifth consecutive season. The Pistons trail only San Antonio (89.9) for fewest points allowed per game, and they lead in the NBA in rebounding.
Wallace is second in the league in rebounding (12.1 average), behind Kevin Garnett of the Timberwolves, fifth in blocks (2.37) and in the top 25 in steals (1.44).
Wallace's statistics are not as impressive as in 2002 and 2003, when he won the award, because he now plays alongside Rasheed Wallace instead of Cliff Robinson. Ben Wallace said opponents are taking a different approach to scoring with the Wallace gang inside.
"Guys are starting to figure out we got two or three shot-blockers in the paint," he said. "Sometimes it is better to pull up for a 15-foot jumper rather than get your shot blocked. They are taking floaters and doing all those other things. As long as we cause them to do different things, we will live with the results."
Pistons: Notebook
Wallace craves defensive honor
Another NBA Finals appearance would rank higher, but player of the year has a nice ring, too.
By Terry Foster / The Detroit News
http://www.detnews.com/2005/pistons/0504/15/H03-151619.htm
AUBURN HILLS -- The Ben Wallace watch is in full throttle.
About this time every year, debates center on whether Wallace should be named NBA defensive player of the year. His chances look good this season, although he faces stiff competition.
Wallace is enjoying one of his finest defensive seasons, and almost as important, he doesn't have to worry about a campaign by Pacers coach Rick Carlisle for suspended Ron Artest, who won the award last season.
But Wallace will be challenged by Bruce Bowen and Tim Duncan of the Spurs, Larry Hughes of the Wizards and Marcus Camby of the Nuggets.
Wallace said his principal focus is to repeat as an NBA champion, but he admits the award is important to him.
"Yeah, it means a lot, but it is not something I am going to hang my hat on," he said. "Getting back to the Finals is our main focus. If it (the defensive award) happens, I will definitely cherish it. I would love to win it."
During the Pistons' 103-94 victory over the Magic on Wednesday night, Wallace surpassed 100 blocks and 100 steals for the fifth consecutive season. The Pistons trail only San Antonio (89.9) for fewest points allowed per game, and they lead in the NBA in rebounding.
Wallace is second in the league in rebounding (12.1 average), behind Kevin Garnett of the Timberwolves, fifth in blocks (2.37) and in the top 25 in steals (1.44).
Wallace's statistics are not as impressive as in 2002 and 2003, when he won the award, because he now plays alongside Rasheed Wallace instead of Cliff Robinson. Ben Wallace said opponents are taking a different approach to scoring with the Wallace gang inside.
"Guys are starting to figure out we got two or three shot-blockers in the paint," he said. "Sometimes it is better to pull up for a 15-foot jumper rather than get your shot blocked. They are taking floaters and doing all those other things. As long as we cause them to do different things, we will live with the results."