[Surprisingly, Ben Wallace has come under fire from some fans. Some are wondering if his best days are behind him. Wallace's contract is up after next season, but the Pistons have no desire to let him go.] Ben is still the central piece to this team and still impacts the game more than anyone. Ben is the face of this team, ... and he's the guy that leads us into battle every night we step on the floor. We intend to keep Ben here for the rest of his career. |
A lot of people get caught up in the hype of playing a big-time team. The name on the front of the jersey doesn't matter. Take that jersey off, and he's a human being just like you. |
All we did was guide him here, put him in a great environment and surround him with a great culture. He did the rest. |
Any coach worth his salt will take a look at that and say, 'I'll take my chances with that' |
Both sides are still talking. |
Every hole on your team cannot be addressed by just going out and acquiring. You have to have some internal growth, too. That has to be a part of it. We have some good, young players on our roster. You have to let your young guys grow. |
Everyone is more focused on presenting the best that the league has to offer, rather than the worst. |
Everything is definitely quiet on this end. We haven't spoken to anybody. |
Flip has given him a freedom to play to his talent. |
For those who forgot, he didn't come to a lottery team, ... He came to a world championship team. And most rookies are not going to come to a world championship team and break into the lineup, break into the rotation, and play. |
He realized he had a great thing; he didn't try to come in and reinvent the wheel. |
He's been a valuable member of our team both on and off the floor in each of his first three years, ... I'm pleased that he will continue to wear a Pistons' uniform through the 2010-11 season. |
He's looking good and playing well. It was just a chance to get to see him play before training camp starts. |
He's proven in this league, and he's been in big games as a guy who has won 50-plus games for years, |
His wisecrack was, ?OK, I guess you were pretty good. |