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Can Ben "Ben Wallace" Wallace be the Human Mutombo?

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by Carl Herrera, May 26, 2010.

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  1. Carl Herrera

    Carl Herrera Contributing Member

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    I've thought for a few years now that the Rockets got very lucky in having Dikembe Mutombo it is really difficult to find a player who is (a) an actual quality big man who can rebound, defend and block shots, (b) is OK with not playing huge minutes, and (c) doesn't cost a lot of money.

    As I said (and Morey plagiarized), many NBA big guys can't even walk and chew gum at the same time, and those that show some potential of being able to do so cost a lot of money (particularly if they can also rebound, defend, block shots, have some offensive skills, or show some sort of aptitute at acting human). Guys, particularly those who can actually play basketball, also want to get paid while getting big minutes.

    The Rockets found Mutombo only because they were lucky and Mutombo was getting up there in age and could not play 2000+ minutes a year anymore.

    After Dikembe was gone, the Rockets tried for Gortat, but he accepted Dallas' higher offer and was matched by Orlando anyway. They got Andersen, who is just not much of a defender despite his size (more of a tall Scott Padgett). It's just hard to find a backup who actually defends the pint but is content with backup minutes and backup money.

    I think they have an opportunity to get the new Mutombo in Ben Wallace. Ben had a good year on a very bad team, and is contemplating retirement. He talked about that he can still play but the injuries are hurting his ability to last the whole season playing big minutes. I would like to see the team trying getting Ben on a reasonable 1-2 year deal to be the paint clogger and Yao insurance. The guy was still averaging almost 11 rebounds and 1.5 block shots per 36 minutes last year. Also, the Detroit team's defense was 7 points better when Ben played (meaning they were average with him, horrible without him), so he's still making an impact.

    On another note: he's apparently close with Ed Davis, draft prospect, and Ed's dad Terry Davis (former teammate of Ben). Ed Davis calls Ben uncle. Ed Davis is currentlly projected to go in the 2nd half of lottery. I wonder if the Rockets have interest in getting Ed and his Uncle Ben.

    Here's an interview with Ed Davis, Ben Wallace as mentioned.

    http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Ed-Davis-1354/

    And here are Dikembe's numbers vs. Ben's

    http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mutomdi01.html
    http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wallabe01.html

    Dikembe's output is better but Ben is not bad, both are DPOYs at one time and seem to still have some gas left in the tank.
     
    #1 Carl Herrera, May 26, 2010
    1 person likes this.
  2. clos4life

    clos4life Member

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    Sorry, Ben Wallace is not serviceable anymore. He relied hugely on his athleticism but that is hugely diminished. He is not bad but he wouldn't be anywhere near what Deke was.

    Deke lost some of his athleticism but he never lost his height, block timing, defensive IQ or passion for the game. No disrespect to B. Wallace but he is just not in the same league.
     
    #2 clos4life, May 26, 2010
  3. napalm06

    napalm06 Huge Flopping Fan

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    Unfortunately there seems to be no human that can fill the vacancy left by Mutombo, as of now.
     
    #3 napalm06, May 26, 2010
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  4. RoxSqaud

    RoxSqaud Member

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    [​IMG]

    That guy ^^.....yes

    .........................

    Him now?.....not so much
     
    #4 RoxSqaud, May 26, 2010
  5. Yetti

    Yetti Contributing Member

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    Ben is 5 ins shorter than our Mutombo! :p
     
    #5 Yetti, May 26, 2010
  6. tmoney1101

    tmoney1101 Contributing Member

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    Reminds me of this guy, only with no offensive game.

    *pic of kevin willis with rockets. could not find*
     
    #6 tmoney1101, May 26, 2010
  7. cxwcxw

    cxwcxw Contributing Member

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    No chance. Dumas has made it clear they will resign Ben Wallace no matter what. If rockets want an old backup center, Theo Ratliff would be the best option. Bobcats actually made playoff with Ratliff as the starter.

    IMO the best way to find a quality big man without overpaying them is from the draft. If Rockets can draft a player like Robin Lopez or Roy Hibbert with the 14th pick, that would be a huge success.
     
    #7 cxwcxw, May 26, 2010
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  8. desi tmac91

    desi tmac91 Member

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    Ben was quite productive this season.
     
    #8 desi tmac91, May 26, 2010
  9. Easy

    Easy Boban Only Fan
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    Andersen is not a taller Padgett. Padgett is a lot more scrappy. He is more like a taller Bullard.
     
    #9 Easy, May 26, 2010
  10. Canadiandude

    Canadiandude Member

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    Was that an intentional slip? LOL, cause I'd aggree with ya with the roster moves he's made lately.
     
    #10 Canadiandude, May 26, 2010
  11. Canadiandude

    Canadiandude Member

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    agree that is, lol
     
    #11 Canadiandude, May 26, 2010
  12. Patience

    Patience Contributing Member

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    The Pistons have Richard Dumas for a GM now?? No wonder their team is so terrible. That guy is a total cokehead.
     
    #12 Patience, May 26, 2010
  13. Naija Texan

    Naija Texan Member

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    Ben Wallace can only be Ben Wallace. He has no shot at being on Mutumbo's level and would be a poor excuse for a backup or starting C.
     
    #13 Naija Texan, May 27, 2010
  14. dakeem1

    dakeem1 Member

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    Ify ou check the numbers, Big Ben had a surprisingly good year.
     
    #14 dakeem1, May 27, 2010
  15. TheTruth

    TheTruth Contributing Member

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    Sweet, new nickname for Ben Wallace

    [​IMG]
     
    #15 TheTruth, May 27, 2010
  16. JuanValdez

    JuanValdez Contributing Member

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    I think it's a good idea. I don't know if it'd work out, but it's good thinking anyway.

    He probably won't catch the lightning that Mutombo caught, but it's not as if any center that falls short of what Mutombo gave us will just be inadequate. Servicable will be good enough.

    Draft is not the way to go for a backup center for next season. Rookie centers are notorious for taking a long time to develop -- and then not panning out to be much. If you can get a veteran that you know is smart and can grab boards and play defense, you take him. We can draft a center to fill the spot 4 seasons later, with luck.

    We might not be able to get him to leave Detroit, but there's no harm in asking.
     
    #16 JuanValdez, May 27, 2010
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