Ben Wallace hails from tiny White Hall, Ala., played collegiately at Division II Virginia Union and wasn’t drafted into the NBA. Not exactly a blueprint for an NBA superstar or a $60 million player.
But that’s what Wallace is with the Chicago Bulls – in essence, a story on how hard work and perseverance will eventually pay off.
“I really appreciate what I got, especially coming where I came from,” Wallace said. “I had so many different doors closed in my face. But I continued to work, continued to strive, continued to try to do what I could do to try to better myself, better my game. And to have an opportunity to be here now, I appreciate every moment of it.”
As a rookie with the Washington Bullets, Wallace averaged 1.1 points and 1.7 rebounds in 34 games during the 1996-97 season. The four-time NBA all-star also was a throw-in in two trades before his career turned around with the Detroit Pistons. He played a strong role in Detroit winning a 2004 NBA title and became a five-time all-NBA player in six seasons there. While numerous less productive players throughout the NBA were paid more, the four-time NBA defensive player of the year made $7.5 million last season and was the Pistons’ third highest paid player last season.
The brawny 6-foot-9, 240-pounder was viewed as the heart and soul of the blue-collar Pistons. But business is business. Not even the most ardent Pistons fan could hate Wallace for turning down a less lucrative offer from his beloved Detroit to take $60 million from the Central Division rival Bulls. Wallace’s return game to Detroit isn’t until Feb. 25.
“It was like an eerie feeling, as if it wasn’t real,” Wallace said. “I really didn’t know what to expect coming into this free agent thing. Chicago put a deal down there you couldn’t turn down.
“It was tough to leave (Detroit), the way we bonded together over the last couple of years as teammates, as friends. We were one big family on and off the court. We all respect each other, got along with each other and enjoyed being around each other. Any time you’ve got that type of chemistry, it’s tough to leave.”
The Bulls welcomed the Afro-wearing Wallace’s arrival by passing out 10,000 fake ‘fros to fans at the regular-season home opener. Even Jesse Jackson sported one. With the addition of Wallace, Bulls fans are also talking title for the first time since Michael Jordan left. It’s not out of the realm of possibilities, since Wallace and forward-center P.J. Brown bring veteran leadership to a talented young group that includes Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Andres Nocioni, Luol Deng and heralded rookie Tyrus Thomas. But it’s not expected yet, either.
“Looking at this team we already had in place and the pieces that were added, we’re going to be pretty good,” Wallace said.
The Bulls haven’t lived up to their billing thus far, entering Friday’s game against San Antonio with a disappointing 3-5 record in the midst of a seven-game road trip. Chicago visits the Nuggets on Tuesday.
The pressure for the Bulls to win weighs heavy on the well-paid Wallace, who is far from a scorer. Considering where the small-town kid came from and what he overcame, there might not be broader shoulders in the NBA to take on the challenge.
“I don’t feel any added pressure,” Wallace, 32, said. “The pressure I put on myself outweighs any pressure that somebody can put on me. I put the pressure on myself to perform at a high level. Anything else is relatively small compared to what I expect to do.”
O’Neal’s response
USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo recently told The Denver Post that Indiana forward Jermaine O’Neal’s hopes of being added to the national team next year won’t come true since he had turned down an opportunity previously offered. When told of Colangelo’s statement, O’Neal recently told The Indianapolis Star: “First and foremost, I have to make sure that my body is healthy to play for the Indiana Pacers. I was coming off a serious (groin) injury. That’s no problem if they don’t want me to play. Good luck to them.”
Footnotes
Los Angeles Clippers guard Sam Cassell sees himself coaching when his playing days are over, possibly starting with his old coach George Karl with the Nuggets. “I learned so much from him from playing,” said Cassell, who played for Karl in Milwaukee. “He knows my aspirations of being a head coach in this league. Maybe one day I might be an assistant coach in Denver.” … There was talk about the Utah Jazz retiring the jersey of Nuggets assistant and former Jazz star Adrian Dantley at the end of last season. When asked where the potential jersey retirement stood, Dantley said: “I don’t know.” … The stars were out at Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony’s Melo M3 shoe release party in Hollywood, Calif., on Thursday night. Partygoers included singers Omarion and Rohan Marley, rappers Fat Joe and The Game, actresses Rosie Perez and Regina King, comedian-actors Damon Wayans, Bill Bellamy, Guy Torry, Joe Torry and Alex Thomas, NBA players Sam Cassell, Lamar Odom, Fred Jones, T.J. Ford, Daniel Ewing and Paul Davis and tattoo artist Mr. Tattoo. … … As odd as it may sound, Anthony, Phoenix Suns guard and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash and Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight are all teaming up together. Anthony, Nash and Knight have all filmed commercials endorsing “Perfect Jumper,” a product that can help improve your jumper. Anthony’s commercial was filmed at Metro State. Anthony and his fiancée and TV star LaLa Vasquez have also joined numerous celebrities in doing public service announcements for “Until There’s a Cure,” a program raising awareness and funding to eradicate HIV and AIDS. … Anthony told MySpace.com that the pregnant Vasquez will be having a baby boy. … Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James will be giving out 2,500 Thanksgiving dinners through the James Family Foundation to needy families in Ohio cities such as Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown and Columbus, as well as Biloxi, Miss. The James Family Foundation is also giving a new nasal flu vaccine to kids playing in a youth basketball league James played. … NBATV is producing a television show documenting the NBADL expansion Colorado 14ers’ first season.
Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-954-1098 or mspears@denverpost.com.
