Source: Ben Wallace leaving Pistons to sign with Bulls

Man this is a big hit to the Pistons, could alter their team chemistry and cause them to go down as only an above average team in the league instead of championship possibles.

 

I guess it's Darko's time to shine now.

Oh, wait.

 

I'm not so sure.. I've always been of the opinion that Ben Wallace is only as good as those around him. The Pistons were good because their starting five had great team chemistry. Will Wallace still perform when he's surrounded by 4 new faces?

Secondly, while the Bulls may be good next year, this deal will hurt them in 07-08, when they have little cap room to work with and an aging Ben Wallace.

As for the Pistons, this is the beginning of the end if they don't do something fast. After Wallace, they have no one that fits the 5. Sure, maybe they play small with Rasheed manning the interior, but his game is 3s and mid-range. If you ask him to pound low, you're taking him out of his element. If you let him stay true to his game, you leave the paint wide-open.

 

Yah Wallace is getting old and his stats are decreasing every year but this could be a big hit to the Pistons along with their great chemistry.

 

http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=114711

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I question whether McDyess can handle starters minutes at this point in his career. 20 mins/game is perfect for him and pushing him to 30+ may be too much for the old bones. I also doubt Sheed can handle the center position on a full-time basis.

This puts the Pistons in a bad position. I expect them to take a step backward next season. One championship, two NBA Finals and three ECFs in a row was great but their run is over. Other Eastern Conference teams are ready to step up and knock them down.

 

If Thomas pans out and they can get Wallace, Chandler, and Thomas all out there at the same time... Thats scary. They need a big time scorer at the guard though. Way bigger than Duhon. As crazy as it sounds I could see a Francis, Iverson or Marbury actually fitting in with this lineup. That would be interesting, and a completely different type Bulls squad. Ehh... Wont happen anyways.

 

Oh and on the Pistons side... I think they are done. Cavs, Heat, Nets, are gonna be nasty. Pistons lost depth and their anchor. Yall guys that think Wallace shined because of his teammates might see how good Wallace makes those guys. I mean come on... When did Billups, Hamilton, or Sheed ever lead their old teams when they were the key guys? Wallace was the tool that made a bunch of outcasts mesh into a group of role players.

 

I agree losing ben is big but a Sheed led team was one win away from beating Shaq in his prime.

 

Im laughing at the Nuggets who signed Nene for 60 mill lol

 

I really, really like this Bulls team. Chicago and Orlando are the two most promising young teams in the league, I think they're both going about things the right way and a couple of years from now will be two of the premier teams in the league.

 

IMO this is the official ending of the Piston's 'Bad Boyz II'. Wallace was nodoubt their leader. Although he is a liability on offense, he is the heart and soul for their defense, which is what makes them contender and champions for three years in a row.

However I feel that chicago is paying him way too much, a player that has zero offense should never worth so much. Chicago already has a good low post defender in Chandler, by adding Ben Wallace they need to run their offense 3 on 5. While they might be able to hold opponents to 40% shooting, they are probably going to shoot in that range also. They probably are going to ship Chandler though. If they can get something good in return, they might have a couple good years before Wallace declines.

 

God I love loyalty, and free agency.

 

that same sheed doesn't have the same ability like he once did. He relishes not having to be the leader.

 

If the bulls could work a sign-trade with the ATL to bring in Harrington and get rid of chandler they will be tops in the east!

 

Wait a minute, the Pistons were willing to pay $48 million but not $52 million? Thats pretty shocking, considering they just took themselves completely out of championship contender status. Unless Dumars has something else lined up, he's gonna get roasted for this in Detroit I bet.

 

Looks like it was closer to a $60 mil contract offer from the Bulls, not a $52 mil one as was initially reported.

 

Nice!