Question For DET Fans

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

I heard something last night on the CHA radio broadcast and I wanted to see if it was true or not.

They said that earlier in the season, Ben Wallace complained that either he wasn't getting enough shots or the ball wasn't going through him enough. Is that true?

I'm not trying to start a war here, just wondering.

[T.F. Storm]

I'm actually pretty sure that it's true. I remember reading something similar to that, and nowadays Ben takes about one jumpshot a game, sometimes two, just because it "gets him going" and he feels like he's a part of the offense. I think I may have heard that from one of the local game commentators.

Please correct me if this is just my imagination or something, though.

[SpellingCheck]

I never heard any thing like that. Ben doesn't like having the ball.

[Pistons < Spurs]

What you heard was accurate JB.

Early on in the season during one of our first, longer, road trips, Ben complained that he was not being used enough on the offensive side. He said that his man never had to guard him as he knew Ben wasn't going to get the ball. The defense could afford to just ignore him.

Through out the years he has said similiar things at different times. He wants to be part of the offense, and contribute. He knows he isn't going to be the leading scorer, but he doesn't want to be getting 2 points every game either.

And as T.F. mentioned, he feeds off of the energy. Some of his best defensive plays have come right after some ridiculious low post move he failed to make. After a miss, he tends to get back on defense a little quicker in an attempt to make up for missing a shot.

He didn't go overboard with his complaining. He commented about it in the post game interviews, and apparently w/ the team and coaches afterwards.

Shortly there after we started to see more of an attempt to get him the ball. We also saw a few set plays drawn for him...specifically a base line ally-oop lob pass from Rip.

[Johnny_Blaze_47]

What you heard was accurate JB.

Early on in the season during one of our first, longer, road trips, Ben complained that he was not being used enough on the offensive side. He said that his man never had to guard him as he knew Ben wasn't going to get the ball. The defense could afford to just ignore him.

Through out the years he has said similiar things at different times. He wants to be part of the offense, and contribute. He knows he isn't going to be the leading scorer, but he doesn't want to be getting 2 points every game either.

And as T.F. mentioned, he feeds off of the energy. Some of his best defensive plays have come right after some ridiculious low post move he failed to make. After a miss, he tends to get back on defense a little quicker in an attempt to make up for missing a shot.

He didn't go overboard with his complaining. He commented about it in the post game interviews, and apparently w/ the team and coaches afterwards.

Shortly there after we started to see more of an attempt to get him the ball. We also saw a few set plays drawn for him...specifically a base line ally-oop lob pass from Rip.

I figured it wasn't a big deal, I just wanted to know if the CHA guys were accurate.

Thanks.

[jochhejaam]

Speaking of Ben, what's going on with him?

Rebounds
Dec 12.6
Jan 12.3
Feb 12.1
Mar 8.8

Blocks
Jan 2.6
Feb 2.3
Mar 1.7

Steals
Feb 2.4
Mar 1.4

Assists
Feb 2.4
Mar 1.7

FT%
Nov .582
Dec .478
Jan .375
Feb .375
Mar .273

The only thing that's improved in March is his fg %, it was .622 (28-45)
It's definitely not a lack of effort with Ben. Playing the same minutes per month 35.6-36.9. My biggest concern is the fall off in rebounds, we've been getting killed on the boards lately.

As Ben goes so go the Pistons.

[FreshPrince22]

Yea, he is battling some injuries right now. I know he had some brace thing on his wrist yesterday, and his thigh (or maybe it was his calf?) has been bothering him. I just wish he would tell Flip he needs a lighter load, so Dale Davis can give him a break. I'd rather have a healthy Ben Wallace in the playoffs than HCA.

[Pistons < Spurs]

He apparently injured the wrist early in the year. It wasn't a big deal though. However a few nights ago, VS. Washington he re-injured it.

I too would rather see some of Dale. Let's rest the big fella up for the playoffs.

[midgetonadonkey]

I remember watching a couple of games where is jump shot was actually hitting. I don't see why they don't try and run a few offensive sets for him away from the bucket. It may open up their offense a bit.