[Booth Newspapers]



Wallace to meet with Bulls on first day of NBA free agency (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1143564006297030.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS - Two NBA officials confirmed Friday night that Detroit center Ben Wallace, considered by most to be the top free agent available this summer, is scheduled to meet with the Chicago Bulls in Chicago today. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents today, but they can not sign players to contracts until July 12.

The Bulls are one of the few teams that will have enough salary cap space to sign Wallace, who as an unrestricted free agent can sign with any team he wants.

And so it begins...

[Detroit News]


Will Ben run with the Bulls? (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060701/SPORTS08/607010336/1127/SPORTS0102)
Rob Parker: Clubhouse Confidential

My moles are telling me the Pistons have one team to beat in the Ben Wallace sweepstakes: the Bulls.
Although there are other teams interested in Wallace's services, the Bulls have made it clear they want the defending defensive player of the year and are willing to spend some big-time cash to secure him.
That's the only way a team will pry him from the Pistons.

Parker throws some actual numbers around...


[Detroit Free Press]


Big Ben sweepstakes begin (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060701/SPORTS03/607010364/1051)
by Krista Jahnke

Early this morning, Ben Wallace's phone -- and that of his super agent Arn Tellem -- most certainly started ringing.

At 12:01 a.m., Wallace was scheduled to become the highest-profile player in this summer's free agent crop, and at least one team -- the Pistons -- must have placed a call as soon as possible to see what it would take to get Wallace back.

Late news today. A nice cut on the tip of the index finger apparently is my internet achilles heel. Not being able to scroll is like washing clothes in a river or baking bread before you can make a sandwich. ;)

[The Oakland Press]



Big Ben won't be going anywhere (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/070106/spo_2006070108.shtml)
by KEITH LANGLOIS

It raised both red flags and eyebrows a few months back when news leaked that Ben Wallace had hired Arn Tellem, who is to agents what the sun is to the solar system.

Maybe it shouldn't have.

In fact, maybe Wallace hiring Tellem was the surest sign he'll be back with the Pistons.

Keith remains my favorite columnist. An intelligent look at the reasons why Ben likely hired Arn Tellum. Excellent read.



Wallace begins free agency today (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/070106/spo_2006070106.shtml)
Only a few teams have the cap space to chase All-Star center
By DANA GAURUDER

AUBURN HILLS - He came here as a complete unknown.

Ben Wallace is now one of the most recognizable names in the NBA and a sports icon in the Detroit metropolitan area. Wallace joined the Pistons six years ago from Orlando and developed into a perennial All-Star center, leading the franchise from the depths of mediocrity to the heights of a league championship in 2004.



[Hoopsworld]



Running with the Bulls: The Prize of Free Agency (http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_17933.shtml)
By Joel "Brigs" Brigham

Now that the draft is over, all the attention in the NBA offseason can be turned to free agency. At midnight last night, teams were allowed to begin negotiating with free agents, and Carmelo and LeBron have already been offered max extensions. Of course, few teams will have more attention turned to them this summer than the Chicago Bulls, who are one of only five teams with enough cap space to make a big deal happen.

It's always interesting to get the out of town perspective, in this case from an internet Bulls writer. Unfortunately like most rapidly published pieces (why does no one develop these stories days in advance?) it's short on science and long on hyperbole. The Bulls can only offer Ben a maximum contract length of 5 years, not 4 +2.

[Pistons Bulletin]



Big Ben's Bulls flirtation no slap at Pistons (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_pistons/archives/2006_06.html#157172)

Ben Wallace may seem super human to most of us, but it's times like this when Ben is like any other working stiff trying to get the best deal he can.

Wallace's interest in the Chicago Bulls should not be taken as a slight to Detroit. What it is is a man, well aware of his bargaining power, trying to maximize that to its fullest.

Perhaps it's my arrogance, but why would the Bulls trade Chandler to get Wallace? What is apparent through all of this "don't take it personal" blather is that the Pistons grossly miscalculated by not pushing earlier for an extension to Wallace. Releasing him to the free market, albeit only with one serious bidder is a tactical error on the part of Detroit.

With Chicago driving up his value, all of the pressure is on the Pistons to take a risk by either sign or pass. For the Bulls this is a win-win situation. It's eerily reminscent of what Jack "The Trader" McCloskey did to the Atlanta Hawks 17 years ago. (*link* (http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DEFD81F3BF931A3575AC0A96F9482 60))

Koncak was a one hit wonder in a short playoffs. The Pistons bid his price so high that it tied the hands of the Atlanta franchise to match, basically removing a perennial playoff team from the mix of legitimate Eastern Conference contenders. The 52-30 Hawks sank to 4th, 5th and 6th place division finishes for the next 4 seasons.

There are two parties involved. If Ben had wanted an early extension he'd have made that clear. If he didn't want it, trying to force it on him would make things worse. We also don't know much about Ben's deteriorating relationship with his previous agent, Steve Kauffman. That could have killed the chance of a midseason extension.

[Minor League News: The Raw Feed]


Sioux Falls Skyforce Watches Timberwolves and Pistons Drafts With Anticipation of New Players (http://mlntherawfeed.squarespace.com/basketball-nba-d-league/2006/6/30/sioux-falls-skyforce-watches-timberwolves-and-pistons-drafts-with-anticipation-of-new-players-nba-draft-2006.html)

MLN Newswire - Sioux Falls, SD (June 29, 2006) – The Sioux Falls Skyforce announced today that the 2006 NBA Draft was conducted last night at Madison Square Garden in New York. While some fans were interested in the #1 overall pick, Skyforce fans were anticipating the picks of the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves, their affiliates for this coming season.

[Chicago Tribune]



Bulls think big . . . Big Ben (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-060701bullswallace,1,4063560.story?coll=chi-sportsnew-hed)
Paxson, Skiles meet with Pistons' Wallace in Detroit
By Marlen Garcia

John Paxson came through Saturday on his promise to think big in free agency.

The Bulls' general manager and coach Scott Skiles visited the Pistons' Ben Wallace, the biggest name in free agency, in Detroit on the first day teams could have discussions with available players.

Paxson declined to comment on the meeting with the 6-foot-9-inch, 240-pound defensive ace, who was expected to be the Bulls' top target as they decide how to spend about $15 million they have available under the NBA's salary cap.

Detroit radio rumour is that the Bulls offered Wallace $15 million.



[Booth Newspapers]



Pistons offer Wallace 4-year, $48 million deal (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1151799013205110.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- The Detroit Pistons got the ball rolling on negotiations with Ben Wallace on Saturday, offering the unrestricted free agent a four-year contract worth $48 million.

In presenting the proposed deal to Wallace's agent, Arn Tellum, Detroit offered Wallace a contract that would make him the highest-paid player in Pistons history.

$12 million is less than $15 million. Over 4 years, $12 million dollars less.


[CBS Sportsline]



Bulls visit Big Ben; agent says 'process is just beginning' (http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9536608)
From the Detroit Free Press

DETROIT -- Bulls coach Scott Skiles and general manager John Paxson wasted no time launching their bring-Ben-Wallace to-

Agent Arn Tellem said Skiles and Paxson came to Detroit on Saturday to meet with Wallace, the Pistons' longtime center who is the brightest star on the free-agent market that opened Saturday.

I love how reports had Ben in Chicago, and yet now it was the Bulls who came to Detroit. This is a good sign for the "keep Ben" crowd.

Still, it's a game and an important one for the future of the Bulls and Pistons. The only clear-cut winner in this one is Ben Wallace. Sounds like he is gunna get paid. Good for him.

[Philadelphia Inquirer]


Sixers keen on Pistons' Ben Wallace (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/14951409.htm)
By Joe Juliano

Two of the 76ers' biggest deficiencies last season were defense and rebounding, so president and general manager Billy King went after the guy who is one of the best in the NBA in both areas.

On the first day NBA teams could negotiate with free agents, King pulled a bit of a surprise yesterday and contacted the agent for Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace, a four-time NBA defensive player of the year.

If you are using Firefox and can't read the above article, here is a link to a copy.

http://www.pistonsforum.com/images/picdump/philly_070206.gif

[San Jose Mercury News]


Bulls vs. Pistons: Ben Wallace has 2 offers (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/14954410.htm)
By Krista Jahnke of the Detroit Free Press

As other NBA free agents came to quick conclusions and signed new contracts over the weekend, Ben Wallace pondered the two deals on his plate and waited to see if others would top it.

The Pistons have offered a four-year deal worth approximately $48 million to keep their defensive-minded center in Detroit. And the Chicago Bulls, who sent coach Scott Skiles and vice president of basketball John Paxson to Detroit, have started bidding at closer to $52 million for four seasons.

[Detroit News]
Pistons' initial offer irks Wallace (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060703/SPORTS0102/607030342/1004/SPORTS)
Wallace, in an interview with The Detroit News on Sunday, said he wasn't pleased with the Pistons' initial offer.

"It was disappointing," he said. "It was not at all what I expected."

The Pistons' initial offer was a four-year deal starting at $11.5 million and would pay him $49.6 million over four years. It would make Wallace the highest-paid player on the team next season, eclipsing Rasheed Wallace's salary by $100,000.

Pistons president Joe Dumars, reached by e-mail, said he didn't want to negotiate through the newspaper and declined comment.

Wallace met with Chicago Bulls general manager John Paxson and coach Scott Skiles in Detroit on Saturday. He characterized the meeting as "real good" but added that no official offer was extended.

Reports of the Bulls offering a contract starting at $13 million or $14 million were overstated, as were reports of the Bulls offering a five-year deal.

"I ain't looking for more than four years," said Wallace, who will turn 32 on Sept. 10.

And so it begins. Expect lots of posturing, lots of talk and a boatload of misinformation. Apparently Chicago came and visited, but did not actually make an offer.

[Booth Newspapers]
Pistons continue contract talks with Wallace (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/115189081334530.xml&coll=1)
AUBURN HILLS -- Contract talks between the Detroit Pistons and Ben Wallace's agent, Arn Tellem, continued on Sunday and are expected to resume today.

The Pistons have offered Wallace a four-year deal worth about $48 million, which would make him the highest-paid player in franchise history.

The Chicago Bulls, one of the few teams with the salary cap space to sign Wallace to a bigger contract, met with the 6-foot-9 center on Saturday. It is unclear if the Bulls offered him a contract then, but it's believed that Chicago is willing to give Wallace a multi-year deal that would average close to $15 million per season.

[MLive.com]
FULL-COURT PRESS: Have the Bulls offered Wallace a contract? (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/)
Reports about Ben Wallace are popping up everywhere, and of course there is plenty of contradicting information.

Marlen Garcia of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Bulls have offered Ben a four-year deal worth, not five-years, like several stories are reporting today .... In today's Detroit News, Chris McCosky says the Bulls did not extend a formal offer.

[TrueHoop.com]
The Battle of Big Ben (http://www.truehoop.com/free-agents-and-trades-27594-the-battle-of-big-ben.html)
.... This is big news in a number of ways.

First of all, you only get to have one first priority, and for Chicago, it's clearly not Joel Przybilla or anyone else. It's Ben Wallace. (UPDATE: Portland's Kevin Pritchard was reportedly on the Przybillas' doorstep on Saturday.)

I bet a healthy Ben Wallace himself is good for 20-30 wins over the next two years wherever he lands. In part because of his defense, but mainly because he is so fierce on the court that teammates don't dare loaf for a second. The man just needs you to play hard, and his attitude has been the bedrock of Piston basketball these last few years. He's worth a fat contract. But a long one? That's a whole different deal ...

[Toledo Blade]



Dumars can't allow Wallace to leave Detroit (http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060703/COLUMNIST09/607030398/-1/NEWS02)
by John Harris

Six years later, history repeats itself for Joe Dumars and the Detroit Pistons.

Now, as in 2000, when owner Bill Davidson placed Dumars in charge of all personnel decisions, Dumars' biggest offseason move involves retaining Detroit's star player who also happens to be a free agent.

Ironically, Ben Wallace has been prominently involved on both occasions.


The first rule of writing a column is to have facts straight. Philadelphia is not a team with cap space to sign Wallace. They would be interested in a sign-and-trade.

[ESPN]




Source: Ben Wallace leaving Pistons to sign with Bulls
(http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2508742) By Chad Ford

Ben Wallace has been the face of the Detroit Pistons the last five years. No more.

A league source told ESPN.com Monday night that Wallace has told the Pistons he has accepted an offer from the Chicago Bulls.

While exact details are unavailable, the offer is thought to be a four-year, $52 million dollar deal.

[Pistons Bulletin]


Lindsey re-signs (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_pistons/archives/2006_07.html#157737)

The Pistons got their first commitment of the free agency period from Lindsey Hunter, who will sign a two-year deal worth about $4.5 million. He can't sign the deal until July 12.

Oh, it gets better for Hunter.

When his contract is up, Hunter will also be given a position within the organization, primarily assisting president of basketball operations, Joe Dumars.

Let the spin begin...


Ben informs Pistons he's leaving for Bulls (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_pistons/archives/2006_07.html#157711)

Multiple league sources confirmed Monday night that Ben Wallace was going to take Chicago's four-year, $60 million deal and leave the Pistons with nothing in return.

His decision to leave Detroit came down to money and respect, pure and simple.

Money and respect. Two things that can be hard to find in Detroit. Ask Chuck Daly.


[Booth Newspapers]



Agent says Wallace will rebuff Pistons to sign with Bulls (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1151982613109360.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- Sooner or later, the Detroit Pistons' core group of players was going to be broken up.

That time has arrived now that Ben Wallace, one of the NBA's top unrestricted free agents, has informed the Pistons -- through his agent, Arn Tellem -- that he plans to sign a multi-year contract with the Chicago Bulls.

Wallace's deal, which cannot be signed until July 12 -- the first day free agents can sign contracts -- will be worth about $60 million over four seasons.


[Detroit News]



Big Ben headed to Bulls (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060703/UPDATE/607030394/1127/SPORTS0102)
by Chris McCosky

AUBURN HILLS — Another Detroit sports icon bites the dust.

Ben Wallace, the face, the 'fro and the foundation of the Detroit Pistons the past six years, will be wearing a Chicago Bulls uniform next season.

"I appreciate everything Detroit did for me and my family,” Wallace said Monday night, confirming that he will sign a four-year deal with the Bulls on July 12, the first day free agents are able to sign new contracts. “They gave me an opportunity to make a name for myself and we had an opportunity to win a championship together.

This article is great. Chris McCoskey the Pistons apologist. Sorry, I feel this was a bad move and I won't apologize for feeling that way. Get rid of Ben, fine. But get something back. Don't get cheap and bow out of contention. That's wrong.

[Detroit Bad Boys]
With Ben Wallace gone, whither go the Pistons? (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2006-07-04/with-ben-wallace-gone-whither-goest-the-pistons/)
Gone out the window is Detroit's Offseason Plan A, which involved re-signing Wallace and adding an athletic slasher (Bonzi Wells?) with the mid-level exception. Instead, it's on to Plan B. What's that? Apparently going after Joel Pryzbilla with the mid-level exception, and then quietly waiting for the season to start. Because unless I'm seriously under-estimating the amount of wiggle room Detroit has under the salary cap, the team's hands will be tied when it comes to adding another impact free agent.

[Chicago Tribune via MLive.com]
Sam Smith: Wallace makes Bulls instant title contenders (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_07.html#157710)
What Wallace brings is hard to find. He's a rare player in that "warrior" category who takes on the toughest players in the league with an attitude. He's more respected than liked.

So consider the possibilities: One of the league's best defensive teams the last two seasons (the Bulls led in field-goal percentage against the last two years) gets the league's best team defender ....

The prospects seem delicious, and it sets John Paxson on course for executive of the year and managing partner Jerry Reinsdorf again spending aggressively.

Notice that old Sam wasn't so enthusiastic a couple of weeks ago -- when I used this article (http://www.pistonsforum.com/pistons-archive/2930-june-2006-pistons-articles-frequent-updates-7.html) to predict that the Bulls were going to make a serious run at Ben. The guy's wrong so often, you can use it to predict the future.

[Need4Sheed]
Pistons Make an Offer to Joel Przybilla (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/07/pistons-make-offer-to-joel-przybilla.html)
"At 9 p.m. Portland time, 7.1 Center Joel Przybilla will have a tele-conference with his agent, Bill Duffy, regarding an offer from the Detroit Pistons. This comes after former Detroit center Ben Wallace agreed in principle to a free agent contract with the Chicago Bulls. The Pistons immediately made contact with Duffy regarding Przybilla, and apparently Przybilla will strongly consider the offer from the Pistons. Reached at about 8 p.m. Portland time, Duffy said he expects Przybilla to make his decision by Tuesday morning after spending a night mulling."

ALSO:
Bye Bye Ben: Wallace To Sign With Bulls (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/07/bye-bye-ben-wallace-to-sign-with-bulls.html)

[Detroit Free Press]
Big Ben will run with the Bulls (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060704/SPORTS03/607040394/1048/SPORTS)
According to a person close to the negotiations, the Bulls had offered something closer to four years, $60 million to bring the NBA's top defensive stopper to the Windy City.

The deal was expected to be finalized late Monday or early today with Wallace's oral agreement. He can't sign an official contract until July 12 because of the NBA's rules on free agency.

Either way, the news leaves the Pistons facing a tough question: What do they do now?

DREW SHARP: Pistons wise not to match Bulls (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060704/SPORTS03/607040392/1048/SPORTS)
The Bulls' offer of four years for about $60 million -- according to the Free Press -- is financial suicide for a player with special gifts but lacking in some important areas to merit such a long-term investment. In their minds, they strengthened themselves by weakening the Pistons.

But keeping a core intact that went to four straight Eastern Conference finals with two straight trips to the NBA Finals and a league championship in 2004 wasn't worth the financially crippling effects of matching or topping the Bulls' offer.

Let him go. Wish him well. Thank him for the memories.

[Yahoo! Sports]
DAN WETZEL: The Wild, Wild East (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=dw-wildwildeast070306&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)
As bad a contract as Detroit was willing to give Ben Wallace, a guy who displayed almost no offense at all under Flip Saunders, the Pistons will rue the day they allowed Chicago to outbid them. It's not that Wallace is worth that money – he isn't. It is that with Big Ben it is the Pistons – not the aging Heat – who enter next season as the favorites in the East. There still was time to take a run at one more championship.

Instead, Detroit won't win this year so it can be more competitive – but certainly not title worthy – in 2010 and 2011. It is my guess that fans would have traded a shot at the Finals in 2007 for losing in the first round, rather than the second, in a couple of years.

[New York Times]
Bulls Lure Ben Wallace from the Pistons (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/04/sports/basketball/04nba.html?_r=1&oref=slogin)
Ben Wallace, the defensive player of the year and the anchor of the tough-minded Detroit Pistons, shook up the N.B.A. last night when he agreed to a four-year, $60 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, according to two people with knowledge of Wallace's plans.

The two people, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they cannot comment on players until the league approves all deals beginning July 12, said the Pistons were offering Wallace a four-year deal worth about $49 million.

[The Oakland Press]



Wallace running to the Bulls (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/070406/spo_2006070406.shtml)
Pistons' cornerstone agrees to four-year, $59.6 million deal to play for division rival Chicago
By DANA GAURUDER

AUBURN HILLS - The phrase "Fear the 'Fro" has a new meaning. All-Star Ben Wallace has joined one of the Detroit Pistons' division rivals.

Unhappy with the Pistons contract offer, Wallace agreed to a four-year, $59.6 million contract with the Chicago Bulls on Monday night. He will make $14 million next season, with increases of 8.5 percent over the life of the contract.

[farlane]



NBA Comix: I’m so sad that I can’t think up a funny headline (http://farlane.wordpress.com/2006/07/04/nba-comix-im-so-sad-that-i-cant-think-up-a-funny-headline/)

The headline says it all. Or most of it. Big Ben was the heart & soul of the Pistons, and now he’s gone. Stuff like that reminds you that even though you may get into the team aspect of the game, it comes down to the Benjamins in the end (insert stupid pun here).



[San Antonio Express-News]



UPDATED: Nazr Mohammed goes to Detroit (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA070406.spursnazr.en.265c9d48.html)
by Johnny Ludden


Spurs coach Gregg Popovich likes to joke that Tim Duncan hates being called a center. Next season, Duncan might not have much choice.

Nazr Mohammed, who started at center during the Spurs’ 2005 championship run, left the team Tuesday after agreeing to a four-year, $25 million contract with Detroit.



[Detroit News]



Mohammed might fill void (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060704/UPDATE/607040390)
Center gets 4-year deal for $25 million, but McDyess and Davis will contend for starting role.
by Chris McCosky / The Detroit News

AUBURN HILLS -- The Pistons have taken a step toward restructuring their lineup after Ben Wallace's departure.

Pistons president Joe Dumars confirmed Tuesday that an agreement had been reached with eight-year veteran center Nazr Mohammed on a four-year deal worth approximately $25 million.

Also on Tuesday, officials confirmed that Lindsey Hunter had agreed to a two-year deal worth $4.5 million. Hunter is expected to take a job in the Pistons front office at the end of that deal.



[Yahoo Finance]



Wallace pumps up Bulls 2007 Championship Odds (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060704/to025.html?.v=31)
Sportsbook.com odds change after monster signing - Chicago's surge, Detroit's flounder

NEW YORK, July 4 /PRNewswire/ - The Chicago Bulls are looking to rise again, stealing away Ben Wallace from the Detroit Pistons for a reported $60 million. The deal won't be finalized before the July 12th moritorium, but odds have already shifted at sportsbook.com, the world's largest online sportsbook and casino.

The Chicago Bulls odds have improved with Wallace on the roster, leaping from 40-1 to 14-1 to win the NBA Championship in 2007. The Detroit Pistons odds have fallen from 4-1 to 8-1 with the loss of their starting center and the League's top defender.


[WOAI]



Przybilla Stays With Portland (http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx?content_id=B3AB6902-A023-4823-89B1-E3B9A2D76024)
Posted By: Kori Ellis

According to several reports, bigman Joel Przybilla has chosen to stay in Portland. Przybilla also received offers from both San Antonio and Detroit, but decided to take the 5-year, $30 million deal from the Trail Blazers.

According to OregonLive.com, the Spurs reportedly offered a 4-year, $24 million deal. The 26-year-old spent the last two seasons with Portland.

[Fox Sports]




Pistons must search for new identity (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5757530)
Mike Kahn / Special to FOXSports.com

Big Ben cashing in changes everything.

In a startling move that promises to change the balance of power in the NBA's Eastern Conference, four-time defensive player of the year Ben Wallace has agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract with the Chicago Bulls — leaving the Detroit Pistons with a huge hole in the middle.

The Pistons, who won the NBA championship in 2004 and lost in the seventh game of the NBA Finals to the San Antonio Spurs in '05, lost to the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals — and Wallace's uneven play, coupled with his constant questioning of new coach Flip Saunders' offensive orientation, rapidly changed a scenario that appeared to be chiseled in stone.

[Detroit News]
ROB PARKER: 'Business Decision' doesn't diminish Wallace's six great years (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060705/SPORTS08/607050348/1004)
It would be silly to be upset at Wallace for taking a four-year, $60 million deal from the Bulls. The offer made by the Pistons -- a reported $49.6 million for four years -- was respectable, but not enough.

This was all about business, not basketball.

"I appreciate everything that happened in Detroit," Wallace said. "Fans supported me 100 percent. They adopted me as one of their sons. I'm thankful for that."

BOB WOJNOWSKI: Double whammy (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060705/SPORTS08/607050366/1004/SPORTS)
Is Wallace being selfish? Sure, a little. He's also being smart, landing a few million more per season than the Pistons would pay. In his departure, he reminded us how unique Yzerman truly was, able to adapt to so many coaches and so many styles.

Basketball is different, though, harder for players to hide their age and their offensive deficiencies. I'm not saying Big Ben had to go. I'm saying he had to adapt to stay, and he seemed unwilling or incapable of doing it.

[Detroit Free Press]
MICHAEL ROSENBERG: There are no winners (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060705/SPORTS03/607050395/1048/SPORTS)
It's not about the money. It's about what the money represents.

Wallace wanted affirmation that he is one of the best players in the NBA. (This is why he asked for $20 million annually to start negotiations -- a hilariously high asking price that tells you all you need to know about Ben's image of his ability.) Joe Dumars knew Ben needed that affirmation, which is why Dumars kept talking about making Ben the highest-paid player on the team and calling him the Pistons' "cornerstone." Dumars wanted Wallace to feel as loved at $48 million as he would at $60 million.
It was a good strategy. It didn't work. And when Wallace told the Detroit News that the Pistons' offer was "disappointing" and "wasn't altogether fair," you could see the fire coming out of Bill Davidson's nose.
[$20 million? Hard to believe. A typo, maybe?]

New center: Mohammed to fill Big Ben's big shoes (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060705/SPORTS03/607050389/1048/SPORTS)
One day after Wallace picked a richer deal from the Chicago Bulls over another four years at a lower price in Detroit, a person with the team confirmed that the Pistons had replaced their longtime center with Mohammed, a 6-foot-10 NBA nomad. Mohammed agreed to a five-year deal that starts at the mid-level exception of $5.3 million. With an 8.5% pay increase each season, Mohammed, 28, will earn $30 million through the life of the deal, although the final year is expected to be a player option.

[Booth Newspapers]
A. SHERROD BLAKELY: Agent: Wallace will rebuff Pistons to sign with Bulls (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1151982613109360.xml&coll=1)
Team owner Bill Davidson was among front-office officials bothered by Wallace's negative public reaction to Detroit's offer.

In addition to angering Davidson, Wallace also upset some of his teammates, including one who said he was "shocked" that a contract that would make the 31-year-old Wallace the highest-paid player in franchise history apparently wasn't enough to convince him to return to the team he has been an integral part of for the past six seasons. Others, however, understood his position.

[Detroit News]
Summer Pistons will start Saturday (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060706/SPORTS0102/607060331/1127)
AUBURN HILLS -- The Pistons will have a familiar name in the backcourt during their Toshiba Vegas Summer League play, which begins Saturday.
Rodney Billups, the younger brother of point guard Chauncey Billups, is in camp. A 5-foot-10 guard, Rodney Billups is a graduate of the University of Denver and played last season in Latvia.

SCHEDULE
July 8 Washington 5 p.m.
July 10 Phoenix 9 p.m.
July 11 New York 9 p.m.
July 13 LA Clippers 8 p.m.
July 14 Boston 4 p.m.

[MLive.com]
FULL-COURT PRESS: Ben Wallace audio notes (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_07.html#157930)
Ben Wallace tells WDFN that there are multiple reasons he's heading to Chicago, but he wants to let his emotions calm before he reveals his reasoning. Ben says it wasn't about money, his teammates or his relationship with Flip Saunders, but he does mention that his role in the offense really bothered him.

Notes are paraphrased ...

[Booth Newspapers]
Plain and simple, Wallace took the higher-paying job (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1152069023318760.xml&coll=1)
For six years, we watched Ben Wallace do some pretty amazing things, the kind of things that made us feel as though he was different from everyone else.

As we found out Monday night, he's really not that different than the guy making minimum wage who wants a job with better pay, or the corporate executive who takes a similar position with a higher-paying rival company.

[Detroit Bad Boys]
Uncork the forks: Pistons will be alright (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2006-07-05/uncork-the-forks-pistons-will-be-alright/)
No doubt, this is an offseason of flux, but it is not the end. All is not lost. The team's most recognizeable face was arguably it's third or fourth most valuable player. And while the Pistons will not be title favorites next season after this past postseason debacle, they should still have enough to finish significantly higher than many expect. And, bonus, there's now plenty of room on the Blue bandwagon. Hop on now to reserve the prime "I told you so"-seats come next season.

But leave those silly-ass fake 'fros and inflatable Bens behind.

[Need4Sheed.com]
Ben Wallace Talks: Video (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/)
ALSO
Good Times, Ain't We Lucky We Got 'Em (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/)
Sure this is not the Pistons team that we have all grown to love. Of course Nazr is no Ben Wallace, but this is how professional basketball is played, on and off the court. I can see the light at the end of this tunnel. Carlos Delfino is going to see some serious court time, get his confidence up and show Flip that he, instead of Evans was the go to guy. Jason Maxiell is about to see what the NBA is really all about and I think he's ready. Amir Johnson might even get a chance to play some minutes and show us what he can do. I am looking toward the future and right now it looks bright.

[Chicago Daily Herald]
Pros and cons of Bulls' big move (http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/bulls.asp)
So now Wallace is a Bull, with an official signing due July 12, while Chandler appears headed to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for veteran power forward P.J. Brown and third-year shooting guard J.R. Smith.

Adding Wallace was a bold move, without question. But was it smart to give up on the 23-year-old Chandler while paying Wallace an average of $15 million per season? Let the debate begin.

[Sporting News]
Different in Detroit could make the Pistons better (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=105848)
Losing Wallace means Detroit will have to alter its personality, but fact is, the Pistons were changing personalities anyway. Defense had been the Pistons' calling card for the previous four years under coaches Rick Carlisle and Larry Brown. Under Flip Saunders, though, the Pistons were more offensive-minded during their cruise through the regular season. It was only in the playoffs that they seemed to lose their way, becoming a confused muddle of the defensive team they had been and the offensive team Saunders made them.

[Detroit Free Press]
New Piston receives praise from ex-coach (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060706/SPORTS03/607060378/1048/SPORTS)
Lon Kruger, now the UNLV coach, coached Mohammed during part of the 6-foot-10 center's three-year stint in Atlanta. And Kruger said, at least in one way, Mohammed should bring the Pistons something similar to Wallace.

"He's very focused," Kruger said. "He wants very badly to become as good a player as he possibly can. He's just a good guy to be around. He's sharp. I was happy to see him have some success in San Antonio."

Kruger also said that Mohammed, 28, is a good teammate, someone who always came to practice on time and ready to work hard. And he emphasized that Mohammed doesn't let ego stand in his way of fulfilling whatever role a team needs him to play.

[Chigaco Sun Times]

Wallace Felt it was Time for a Change (http://www.suntimes.com/output/bulls/cst-spt-ben06.html)
Ben Wallace went into more detail Wednesday on what made him decide to leave the Detroit Pistons and join the Bulls

[Detroit Bad Boys]



Kicking off the Las Vegas Summer League (http://feeds.feedburner.com/detroitbadboys?m=773)

The Pistons have a repuation for being an old team, but they actually have a surprising amount of youth on the roster, especially toward the end of the bench. For the next week or so, those young players will have a chance to showcase their talent in the Toshiba Vegas Summer League, which opens today [...]



[San Antonio Express-News]



Mike Finger: Spurn Spurs at your own risk (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA070606.2C.COLfinger.page2.f92006.html)

Nazr Mohammed and Joel Przybilla got the contracts they wanted, so financially speaking, both have it made.

But if Mohammed wants to hold on to all that money, he better hope the checks don't arrive via entry passes to the post.



[BLACK ATHLETE SPORTS NETWORK]



BEN WALLACE'S NEW LOOK (http://www.blackathlete.net/Blackbox/article_02078.shtml)
CHICAGO BOUND

While the Talk has been whether or not Allen Iverson was staying or leaving Philadelphia Ben Wallace stole the Show telling Detroit see 'ya

Wallace is a Free Agent so the Choice was his to make and all indications are he has. Leaving the Pistons behind for the Bulls. In the world of Basketball its about as big as if Iverson left Philly. Maybe Bigger because Detroit will get nothing in return for Wallace's Loss. For Chicago they go from Wannabes to Contenders and all it is costing them is the easy stuff. Cash. They've got plenty.



[WWMT]



Georgia State hires Mark Macon as assistant coach (http://wwmt.com/engine.pl?station=wwmt&id=28043&template=breakout_sports.html)

ATLANTA (AP) - Michigan native Mark Macon has been hired as an assistant to Georgia State head basketball coach Michael Perry.

Macon won the "Mister Basketball" award -- honoring Michigan's top high school player -- in 1987, in his senior season at Saginaw Buena Vista. He later starred at Temple University and played six seasons in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons.


[Saginaw News]



The Pistons made a big mistake in trusting Big Ben (http://www.mlive.com/sports/sanews/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/115219205529180.xml&coll=9)
by Greg Mancina

Wallace turned his back on the franchise that gave him a chance in the NBA.

Ben Wallace ticks me off. I'm sure he ticks off Joe Dumars. I'm sure he ticks off his former Detroit Piston teammates.

But nobody will say anything about it. So I will.

I occasionally overlook articles I absolutely disdain in my news postings. Hey, I'm human. All Ben Wallace's fault? Pistons fiscal saints? The remainder of the team blameless? Let's try to keep it real brother Greg.

We're not supposed to decide what lives or dies on these pages? News to me. I leave out stuff all the time that doesn't conform to my long-term agenda.*






*If we had an emoticon that twirled its mustache in a sinister way, it would be here. Use your imagination, you'll get the drift.

Slow news day, with the Wallace stuff dying down and summer league yet to begin. Here's a little this and that:

[MLive.com]
FULL-COURT PRESS: Przylla never interested in Detroit (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_07.html#158502)
Przybilla had a long phone conversation with Duffy. He said his agent was pushing for Detroit.

"I knew deep down that Detroit wasn't the place for me," Przybilla said. "And as soon as we knew Chicago had that deal with Ben Wallace, we knew that we were coming back to Portland. So that night, before we went to bed, we looked at each other and said 'Let's do it. Let's go back to Portland.' "

ALSO:
Did the Bulls promise Ben they would pursue Kevin Garnett?
[Somebody tell me when the Bulls WEREN'T pursuing Kevin Garnett. Now that would be news.]

[Detroit Bad Boys]
Kicking off the Las Vegas Summer League (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
We'll try to keep one eye on the TVSL, but for more in-depth coverage I suggest you check out Bad Boy Summer Camp. (www.badboysummercamp) Despite the name, it's not affiliated with this site, but rather is a collaborative effort from some of the fine folks over at PistonsForum.com.
[Thanks for the plug!]

ALSO:
10-year-old point guards
Ben Wallace on video

[Need4Sheed]
Ben Wallace Was Quite Frankly Not Happy With The Team's Direction: Video (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/)
Ben Wallace tells Stephen A. Smith he didn't like the team's new offensive direction.

[ClipperBlog.com]
Did Joe Dumars Pull A Theo Epstein? (http://clipperblog.com/index.php?itemid=108)
What's surprised me is the one-sided coverage the Ben Wallace deal is getting. Sometimes I think these things are approached as if 'getting the guy' is the goal, when it's not. It's getting value. And nobody I've read has asked the question -- As admirably blue-collar Ben Wallace is and as much as we all love the guy, is it possible that at some point really, really soon, $15M may be absurdly too much money to pay Ben Wallace to be your center? .... I'm not suggesting that Chicago isn't getting a superlative player, but I don't think Pistons fans need to pay any mind to the chatter.

[The Association]
Player Movement, Part I (http://theassociation.blogs.com/the_association/2006/07/player_movement.html)
Ben Wallace to Chicago: Pretty much this has been beaten to death by all the NBA "experts". I just recall reading a Sam Smith piece back in 04-05 predicting that the Bulls were mimicking the Detroit Pistons in their roster moves. While this is a good move, this is not going to make the Bulls an immediate contender. They still lack a low post scorer and that clutch swingman that you need for the playoffs (Kobe, Wade, LeBron, Ginobili, etc.). They were headed in the right direction, but then they brought in Jim Paxson as a consultant. (???) Nothing beats some good old fashioned nepotism! Why not consult your flunky older brother? What type of "consulting" can a former GM who's record was 185-307 and zero NBA playoff appearances in six years do?

Nazr Mohammed to Detroit: Not a bad pick-up for a 4-year deal for $25 million. Losing Wallace was big for team chemistry (was mostly satisfied with take little or no shots), defense (one of the top help defenders in the game) and rebounding. Getting Mohammed is a smart move, Detroit gets a decent big who'll come off the bench and they didn't have to move any key players. Still Detroit is no longer one of the top four teams in the league.

This just in -- there's a new blog over at MLive. Since the guy's name is "Zuidema" we can assume he's from Grand Rapids. Let's check it out, shall we?

[MLive.com]
THE BENCHWARMER: Life after Big Ben (http://www.mlive.com/grpress/thebenchwarmer/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_thebenchwarmer/archives/2006_07.html#158688)
It's funny how Detroit fans react to their hometown teams. The first rule of the basic Motown fan is to act all indignant and whine about the lack of respect the rest of the nation gives to their teams. As if New York and Boston are going to care about anything other than the East Coast, and the West Coast will focus on anything that's not based on Hollywood -- or related to them not falling into the Pacific Ocean.

The second rule is to overreact to anything related to the team. And that's where fans are at with Wallace's move to the Windy City.

A.S. BLAKELY: Mr. Sparty back to the D? (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_pistons/archives/2006_07.html#158790)
The Detroit Pistons added yet another familiar name to their summer league roster.

Mateen Cleaves, the Flint native and former first-round pick of the Pistons, will replace Frank Williams on Detroit's summer-league squad in Las Vegas this week.

FULL-COURT PRESS: Pistons working on a deal for Al Harrington? (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/)
In Terry Foster's blog today he has some really interesting theories on the Ben Wallace’s reasons for leaving. On top of those statements, Foster says there are rumblings that the Pistons could be working on a big sign-and-trade deal.

[Detroit Bad Boys]
Terry Foster on Ben Wallace and Al Harrington (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
Foster claims to have some insight on some other, non-financial reasons as to why Ben Wallace was so quick to accept Chicago's offer:

"Ben Wallace was upset that the Pistons banned his brother David Wallace from the Palace following his involvement in the brawl against the Indiana Pacers ..."

ALSO:
We have a Mateen Cleaves sighting!

[Toldeo Blade]




Without Ben, Pistons need a superstar (http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060707/COLUMNIST09/607070428/-1/NEWS07)
by John Harris


Don't stop now, Joe Dumars.

Your task is far from done.

Finish the job and blow up the Detroit Pistons.

As Ben "Benedict" Wallace prepares to sign with the rival Chicago Bulls, Dumars, Detroit's president of basketball operations, should go for broke.


[Philadelphia Inquirer]



Sixers assistant coach leaving for Magic job (http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/14982564.htm)
By Joe Juliano

"Kuester, 51, has spent 16 seasons as an NBA assistant coach, including terms in Boston, Detroit and New Jersey. He was on Brown's staff in 2004 when the Pistons won the championship."



[The Daily Local News]




Coatesville still Rip’s city (http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16887598&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=17782&rfi=6)
by MICHAEL CRIST

COATESVILLE - The new blacktop at the Ash Park basketball courts in Coatesville was packed down as tight as those who gathered along the freshly painted sidelines.

The pulse of hip-hop beats mixed with the screeches of referee whistles and cheers, and the youngsters who traded jump shots were having fun.

It could only mean one thing -- summertime basketball had finally arrived in Coatesville.

[Detroit News]
Draft choice fights for spot (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060708/SPORTS0102/607080314/1004/SPORTS)
"We really appreciate Mateen coming out," said Pistons assistant coach Don Zierden, who is running the summer team. "It's good to have an extra body out there, especially a guy with his experience who is a proven winner. I think he's going to be a very good influence on our young kids."

The Pistons begin summer-league play today against the Wizards and Blalock will be the starting point guard.

"We've only had (five) practices, but I like his leadership qualities," Zierden said.

"He's a guy who communicates on the floor and I think he's a hard-nosed defensive player. Until we see him out there competing against guys who play in this league, you don't know. But I like what we've seen."

ROB PARKER: No chance for sign-and-trade (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060708/SPORTS08/607080318/1004/SPORTS)
As good as it sounds, the rumors out of Chicago are wrong. The Pistons didn't have any deals on the table with the Knicks or 76ers.

The talk was they did, but Wallace, the free-agent center, KO'd any chance for a deal, insisting on taking the four-year, $60-million deal from the Bulls.

If that was the case, it certainly would have looked as if Wallace had an ax to grind with the Pistons. For sure, the Pistons would have been interested in making a deal. After all, no team wants to lose a star and get nothing in return.

.... My NBA familyis telling me that the Pistons have set their sights on free-agent shooting guard Ronald "Flip" Murray.

Capology 101 (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060708/SPORTS0101/607080343/1004/SPORTS)
The Pistons' cap guru is Allan Ostfield, who left his job as senior vice president and general counsel for the San Diego Padres six years ago to become the chief operating officer for Palace Sports & Entertainment. In addition to many other duties, he's now the one team president Joe Dumars has on speed dial.

"He or (vice president) John Hammond will call and say, 'Hey, we're thinking about this (deal). Does it work?'?" said Ostfield, who is usually ready with multiple answers. "The three of us have developed a good sense of trust. But the way I always think about it is, the beginning is Joe and the end is Joe. I'm just trying to help out in the middle."

Salary cap glossary (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060708/SPORTS0101/607080387/1004/SPORTS)
Bird rights: It's slang for the clause in the NBA's collective bargaining agreement that allows a team to offer a more lucrative contract and exceed the salary cap to re-sign its own free agent. Boston was the first team granted this exception when the cap was instituted in 1984, and the Celtics used it to re-sign Larry Bird to a seven-year, $12.6 million deal.

Go figure (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060708/SPORTS0101/607080389/1004/SPORTS)
After losing Ben Wallace to the Chicago Bulls and getting nothing in return -- attempts at orchestrating a sign-and-trade deal failed -- the Pistons were forced to rebound with one hand tied behind their back. They're capped out, with an estimated $52 million already committed to 10 players for next season. So the money offered to Wallace can't be spent on other free agents.

Teams are allowed to go over the cap -- it'll likely be about $51-52 million next season -- only to re-sign their own free agents or by using the allowable salary-cap "exceptions" -- a mid-level, a bi-annual and minimum-salary player slots.

The Pistons already have earmarked the mid-level exception, worth an estimated $5.3 million this season, for free agent center Nazr Muhammad. The team's bi-annual exception ($1.75 million) likely will be spent on a backup guard.

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons put Cleaves in summer lineup (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060708/SPORTS03/607080368/1048/SPORTS)
Maybe you can go home again. And maybe the way home for former Michigan State standout Mateen Cleaves is through Las Vegas.

Cleaves, who was drafted No. 14 overall by the Pistons in 2000 after leading the Spartans to a national title, was added to the Pistons' summer league roster Friday, replacing former Illinois guard Frank Williams.

[Booth Newspapers]
Cleaves added to Pistons summer squad (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/115229581359750.xml&coll=1)
.... Acker and Johnson played well for the Patriots, in part because of Cleaves' ability to get them the ball in positions where they could be most effective -- a similar role he'll likely play this summer.

Detroit is expected to talk with ex-Piston guard Chucky Atkins this weekend about a possible return to the team next season. Atkins, along with Tony Delk, are among the players the Pistons are considering signing with their biennial exception, which is worth about $1.7 million.

[ESPN]

LeBron to sign up to five-year, $80M extension (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2513416)
by the Associated Press

LeBron James won't be leaving home anytime soon.

Cleveland's All-Star forward agreed Saturday to sign a contract extension of up to five years and worth as much as $80 million with the Cavaliers, a huge relief for the rising team and its fretting fans who worried he might be planning an escape.

[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]




Ira Winderman: Don't count out Pistons (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/columnists/sfl-ira09jul09,0,5428247.column)

Despite Chicago's offseason moves, Detroit is still the better playoff team.

Caught in a summer daze before Wednesday's official signing rage:

Despite all the talk to the contrary, the Pistons are not dead yet.

Even with Ben Wallace's free-agent shift to Chicago, Detroit remains the better team, especially in regard to playoff prospects.


Winderman is the anti-Dan LeBatard. That means he is not insane.



[The Philadelphia Inquirer]




On the NBA: Conventional wisdom can be foolhardy (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/14996333.htm)

By David Aldridge

Conventional wisdom is conventional for a reason: It's easy. Doesn't require any deep thinking. Often, it's correct, but many times, it's just lazy.

We try very hard around here not to just blithely accept the CW, whether it's about politics, movies or sports. And in our neck of the woods, the first week of free agency offers the opportunity to either accept the NBACW being thrown around, or see things differently.

We always believe in differently.

I like Aldridge. Why is it that Philly has more quality columnists than Detroit? Our columnists only cover the local re: The NBA. Some of these other heads actually look at the league from a broader view...


[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]




INSIDE THE NBA
Early big deals are mostly mistakes (http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/hawks/stories/0709nbanotes.html)
By SEKOU SMITH

Sure, it's a tad early to analyze the NBA's free agency period — signings and trades don't become official until Wednesday.


Sekou Smith is the only thing good about the Atlanta Hawks. Well, Sekou and Zaza Pachulia.



[The Charlotte Observer]



Lowe learns ins, outs of college recruiting (http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/colleges/14992981.htm)
Talent evaluation at college level is vastly different from NBA
by KEN TYSIAC

INDIANAPOLIS - The former point guard in the red golf shirt sat alone at the bottom of the bleachers Thursday as highly regarded high school prospects whizzed past.

Other coaches engaged in playful banter at the Nike All-America Camp, but new N.C. State coach Sidney Lowe mostly watched, intently and silently. This is Lowe's first chance to evaluate talent as the Wolfpack's coach, and it's clear he doesn't want to miss anything.

Sidney Lowe. Wherefore art thou, hallway coach?

Oh hallway coach, oh hallway coach,
Thy schemes are so unchanging.
Oh hallway coach, oh hallway coach,
Thy schemes are so unchanging.
Not only mean when Ben was here
But also when 'tis down and drear.
Oh hallway coach, oh hallway coach,
Thy schemes are so unchanging.
Oh hallway coach, oh hallway coach,
You fill all quotes with cliche.
Oh hallway coach, oh hallway coach,
You stalk Eli with tenacity.
At Summer League, you stand so tall,
Affording minutes to one and all.
Oh hallway coach, oh hallway coach,
You fill all quotes with cliche

Larry Versus Flip: The Cage Match (http://www.pistonsforum.com/pistons-basketball-articles/3448-larry-versus-flip-cage-match.html)

by "the Stat Sprocket"

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20050401/brown_81670.jpg http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20050721/saunders_46309.jpg

[Detroit Free Press]
New Piston hasn't realized potential (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060709/SPORTS03/607090635/1048/SPORTS)
"He's gonna rebound the basketball," said Knicks assistant coach Herb Williams, "he's gonna go out there and lay it on the line."

Sound familiar?

Consider Mohammed's numbers as a Knick. In 2004, for the first couple months of the season, he was averaging around 12 points and nine rebounds a game. He was shooting 51% from the field and almost 70% from the free-throw line. He was grabbing almost four offensive rebounds a game. Before the trade, he was second in the league that year, behind only Wallace, who was averaging 4.6 offensive rebounds a game.

"Detroit knew when they signed him they were getting a (heck) of an offensive rebounder," Williams said.

[Good article. Check it out.]

Pistons win summer league game (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060709/SPORTS03/607090673/1048/SPORTS)
Alex Acker scored 17 points, and Jason Maxiell added 15 as the Pistons beat the Washington Wizards, 80-67. Amir Johnson added 10 points and seven rebounds.

The Pistons' second-round picks debuted. Center Cheik Samb, acquired on draft night from the Lakers, had nine points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

Guard Will Blalock, the last player taken in the NBA draft, scored six points on 3-for-11 shooting.

Analyst: Ben couldn't say no (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060709/SPORTS03/607090622/1048/SPORTS)
Q: What do you think was the factor that made Ben leave? Was it his supposed beef with Flip Saunders?

A: I think his allegiance and loyalty to the organization outweighed Flip Saunders. That's how it is. Chicago just made him an offer he couldn't refuse. I don't know how many people would turn down $3 or $4 million increase at the minimum. I don't blame him.

[MLive.com]
FULL-COURT PRESS: Pistons may go after Flip Murray (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_07.html#159092)
According to Rob Parker's moles, the Pistons have their sites set on former SuperSonic and Cavalier Flip Murray to be Rip Hamilton's backup. Remember, take Parker's mole comments as nothing more than supported rumors.

ALSO:
Court ruling hurts chances of a Harrington sign-and-trade

[Oakland Press]
Time to go all in? (http://www.theoaklandpress.com/stories/070806/spo_2006070806.shtml)
Joe Dumars has never been afraid to gamble. With the Pistons' summer-league team playing in Las Vegas for a week, Dumars has to decide whether to bet his assets like the blue-haired woman at the nickel slot machine or more like professional poker star Phil Ivey at a no-limit hold 'em tournament.

[Detroit Free Press]


DREW SHARP: Tightfisted owner played part in Big Ben's departure (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060709/SPORTS21/607090621/1051/SPORTS03)
Why isn't Bill Davidson drawing his fair share of criticism in the aftermath of Big Bad Ben's Big Bold Bolt?

[Chicago Tribune]

Loyalty in an age of choices (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-0607080278jul09,1,7273183.story?coll=chi-opinionfront-hed)
These are trying times for those of us who consider ourselves loyal individuals but don't wish to view loyalty as a permanent commitment to misery.

This is an opinion piece with a chicago slant but touches on Ben Wallace. Just another opinion to add to the pile.

[Detroit News]
Making an impression (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060710/SPORTS0102/607100407/1004)
Nik Caner-Medley didn't come here to get knocked out. He took a few minutes to regain his equilibrium and then proceeded to score 10 points and grab just about every loose ball in the Pistons' 80-67 summer-league victory over the Wizards on Saturday.

"He's a tough kid, no doubt about that," said Don Zierden , a Pistons assistant coach who is running the team in Las Vegas. " A lot of guys wouldn't have gone back in."

Caner-Medley, undrafted after starting four years at Maryland, is making a bid to be in an NBA camp next fall, preferably the Pistons.

Samb faces tall task to make NBA roster (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060710/SPORTS0102/607100404/1004/SPORTS)
"There's going to be a learning curve with him," said Don Zierden, a Pistons assistant in charge of the summer-league team. "The physical part of the NBA game is going to be very difficult for him. But the things I liked, you can't teach length and he anticipates very well. He understands the game and he tries to do the right thing."

Samb, who played just one season in the second-level pro league in Spain, made quite a debut here. In the Pistons' 80-67 victory over Washington on Saturday, Samb had nine points and nine rebounds. Of his four field goals, one was a dunk and the others were perimeter jump shots. He was credited with three blocks, but had six.

He did struggle with the physical play, picking up eight personal fouls (you are allowed 10 in summer-league play). But he showed a good understanding of the game, executing the nuances of the Pistons' offensive and defensive rotations.

[Good article, with lots of info on this mysterious Senegalese. And by the way, it's apparently pronounced "Chick."]

[Detroit Bad Boys]
Summer Camp's first game recap (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2006-07-10/summer-camps-first-game-recap/)
In any event, be sure to check out Bad Boys Summer Camp for in-depth coverage, which to be honest completely blows the doors off the minature recap featured in Sunday's Detroit Free Press. Mind you, this isn't just a couple of guys analyzing a box score — the Summer Camp crew actually has "guys on the ground" attending the games out in Vegas. Tough gig, I'm sure, but I'm glad they stepped up to the plate — these guys are seriously providing coverage you can't find anywhere else. Keep up the good work, fellas!

[The rest you know, but we just had to share the cool plug. Thanks, Matt.]

[The Detroit News]
Wallace leaves Maxiell with words of wisdom (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060711/SPORTS0102/607110359/1004/SPORTS)
Maxiell was going to miss him. Shoot, he was even going to miss lugging Wallace's boombox to every game -- which was Maxiell's rookie responsibility last season.

His outlook brightened, though, after he talked to Wallace last week.

"I talked to him on the phone, and he said, 'The door's open for you now,'?" Maxiell said. "He said, 'Go play hard in summer league and come to camp next year ready to go to work.' That's what I plan to do."

[Good article, especially the parts about Max improving his rebounding and passing. Check it out.]

[The Detroit Free Press]
Where are they now? Terry Dischinger (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060711/SPORTS03/607110321/1048/SPORTS)
On being the NBA's only part-time player: "During my rookie year, I wanted to obtain my chemical engineering degree from Purdue, so Chicago let me attend school and play on weekends and holidays. One time after class, I left Purdue at 4 p.m., taped my ankles in a cab and played that night in San Francisco. It wasn't that tough of a year because I received my degree, the Rookie of the Year award, and was paid to play the game I loved."

[One of the league's post-basketball success stories, Terry was a Matt Harpring type who combined good rebounding with a slick jumper. Now one of the country's top orthodontists.]

[Detroit Bad Boys]
Monday's layup drill (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)
Is it Cheick Samb or Cheikh Samb? Can we get a ruling? I see it spelled "Cheick" most of the time, but the Detroit News is using "Cheikh" — and this article from the website of the Spanish team he plays for actually uses both. In any case, the News has an interesting profile on the lanky project/prospect from Senegal.

ALSO:
Dispelling acquisition rumors

[The Mighty MJD]
On Ben Wallace (http://www.themightymjd.com/2006/07/09/on-ben-wallace/)
So if you’re Ben Wallace, a guy who’s built a career on working harder than anyone else… you want to be somewhere where hard work is still the recipe still success. The Bulls, if nothing else, will work hard. They’ll get after it on defense. They’ve got a tough-minded coach who won’t tolerate a lapse in intensity. Throw in the ridiculous money… and it’s a good place for Ben Wallace.

Now, that’s not to say that I think this is a great deal for Chicago, either (although Charles Oakley likes it). Even forgetting that Ben’s an offensive liability, and that at the free-throw line, he makes Shaq look like Larry Bird, his production had been declining in recent years. He’s certainly on the downside, and he’s not going to find a situation that works for him like it worked in Detroit. It was very unique, what happened in Detroit with Ben Wallace… it’s not everyday that a team builds around a defensive-minded player, but they did it. No one else is going to, and his numbers are going to keep dropping off.

[Detroit News]
Acker builds his case to stick with Pistons (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060712/SPORTS0102/607120378/1004/SPORTS)
There is no telling what the fates hold for Acker. Fellow second-year players Amir Johnson and Jason Maxiell have guaranteed spots on the roster. Acker, like last season, does not.

If the Pistons sign a free agent like Chucky Atkins, Flip Murray or Tony Delk, there is a chance Acker would be set free.

"All I can do is approach this like it's a make-or-break summer," Acker said. "I am not taking no days off and I am going as hard as I can on every possession. I see a lot of guys out here who want it, but I want to be a contender, too. I am trying to stay in here and last as long as I can."

[Detroit Free Press]
As Ben joins Bulls, dealing to begin (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060712/SPORTS03/607120386/1048/SPORTS)
Today, it will be official: Ben Wallace will become a Chicago Bull and center Nazr Mohammed will join the Pistons.

After 11 days of working only on oral agreements, NBA free agents can sign contracts today. That means Wallace will officially bid Detroit adieu and become a $60-million man for the Bulls, and Mohammed will sign up to play in Detroit for five years (with the last year a player option) and $30 million.

.... With the moratorium over, today is also the first time teams can make trades. And the rumor mill does not lack for big names, as Philadelphia's Allen Iverson and (as always) Minnesota's Kevin Garnett have cropped up in media reports as potential trade bait. Big-name free agents like Atlanta's Al Harrington and Sacramento's Bonzi Wells are also still on the market and could be moved through sign-and-trades.

[Associated Press]
Porter confirms offer, says he will off on decision (http://www.wzzm13.com/sports/pro_basketball/basketballsports_article.aspx?storyid=57569)
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Former Blazers point guard Terry Porter says the Pistons have offered him an assistant coaching job.

Porter is leading a group trying to raise enough money to buy the Portland Trail Blazers.

He says he won't make any decision on the Detroit offer until the attempt to buy the Blazers plays out.

[MLive.com]
FULL-COURT PRESS: NBA releases salary cap and luxury tax figures (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/)
The National Basketball Association today announced that the Salary Cap for the 2006-07 season will be $53.135 million. The new Cap goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday, July 12, when the league’s “moratorium period” ends and teams can begin signing free agents and making trades.

[Detroit Bad Boys]
Chauncey Billups: I was tired (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/2006-07-11/chauncey-billups-i-was-tired/)
"Honestly, I didn't take it that hard because, myself personally, I was spent," said Billups, a former University of Colorado star. "I was coming into games mentally strong and ready. And my body just wouldn't let me do what I do. I was just tired. Just burned out. And I've never had that feeling before."

ALSO:
Tuesday's layup drill (http://www.detroitbadboys.com/)

[Need4Sheed.com]
The Wizard of NaZ (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/)
It will become official today, when the NBA's moratorium on free agency ends and the Pistons sign Nazr Mohammed to deal with their mid level exception. Exact details will be announced but it's most likely that Detroit pays Nazr 5.2 million dollars a year, a drop in the bucket compared to what Chicago is spending on Ben Wallace.

A read on CB, after the playoff exit: http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_4035153




WHY BEN WALLACE LEFT (source http://www.sportsinferno.com/TruthSpeak.php?ID=393)


We in the media did you a disservice by buying into the Pistons company line and down playing the night Ben Wallace refused to enter a game against Orlando during the regular season.
We said it was no big deal and that things were handled. Ben was just trying to send a message to teammates who he felt no longer worked hard enough on the defensive end.
Little did we know that a bad decision against a bad team was the beginning of the end for the Pistons.
It opened wounds that were never closed. Now those wounds are being exposed again as Wallace leaves to sign a four year deal with the Chicago Bulls for $52 million. He reportedly told the Pistons he was moving on and accepting the Bulls free agent contract offer. The Pistons offered four years at $49.5 million.
Don’t say this was all about money. You mean Ben can’t do without $625,000 a year for the next four years.
The move puts the Pistons in a tough spot but Wallace might be moving on at the right time.
There is no way he is worth a maximum contract and I believe he would be a player of diminishing return with the Pistons. He grew discontent over the past two years and his numbers are beginning to decline.
Now we get to see if it was age (he is 32) or not wanting to be here led to his sometimes disinterested play.
Three years ago Wallace averaged 6.9 points, 15.4 rebounds and 3.15 blocks a game. Last season he averaged 7.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. His game slipped off the radar during the playoffs (4.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 1.22 blocks) and became a detriment to the Pistons.
At least three NBA insiders told me Wallace lost money during the playoffs.
Actually he didn’t. He was just losing interest in the Pistons.
If you believe Wallace left because of money then you were not paying attention. One thing Wallace does a poor job of is hiding his feelings. You could see he was no longer happy here and probably felt unwanted. The Pistons stopped running plays for him. Often on offense he looked like the last kid picked during a play ground pick up game. He was ignored.
He wanted to be more involved in the offense, but his offensive game was so pedestrian that all he did was hurt the Pistons. You gave Wallace the ball not because you expected him to score. You gave him the ball to keep him happy.
That is not good enough.
He also did not like Flip Saunders, an offensive minded coach. But Wallace also did not like Rick Carlisle and Larry Brown. Who did he want as coach? Bill Russell?
So now a slow Fourth of July in Detroit ends filled with fire works. The Captain Steve Yzerman walks away from the Wings and now Big Ben walks away from the Pistons.
When have two stars this big left this town in the span of hours?
Both teams will struggle in the short term as they try to grow into new identities. At least for the Pistons this is a blessing in disguise. The league is changing into a more offensive-minded league that will be run by stars.
It is time for the Pistons to move into the new era. A few years ago we panicked when Grant Hill left and Wallace came in. But the timing was perfect. We just did not know it at the time.
Don’t be surprised if lightening strikes twice and Dumars works a sign and trade with the Bulls, bringing in Tyson Chandler so Ben can get maximum money.
Even if that does not happen it will be a blessing in disguise.

[Associated Press]

Pistons officially add Mohammed (http://www.mlive.com/sportsflash/topstories/index.ssf?/base/sports-8/1152681661214200.xml&storylist=)
by Larry Lage

Nazr Mohammed probably won't be able to duplicate Ben Wallace's ability to defend, rebound and play with energy for the Detroit Pistons.

Mohammed, who essentially replaces Wallace in Detroit, can add more at the offensive end — and the center will cost about $9 million less next season.

Still a Second City (Detroit VS. Chicago)

Source: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=107888

Looks to be a slow news day, aside from whatever spectacle Chicago makes out of the Ben Wallace signing. Here's what we've got so far. Feel free to add whatever Pistons-oriented stuff you find -- it's been a big help.

[Detroit Free Press]
MITCH ALBOM: It's not what you say, it's where you sign (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060713/SPORTS03/607130365/1048/SPORTS)
"Were you surprised Ben left?" I asked Joe Dumars, the Pistons' president of basketball operations, on Wednesday.

"Surprised is probably not a word you use a lot in this business," he said. "We're disappointed we lost him ... but he took a bigger and better deal."

And in so doing, he is no different than most pro athletes. It's just that we thought he was. Ben Wallace made himself a player. But Detroit made him a star. The Pistons took him from a no-name Orlando Magic castoff and turned him into an icon, a hard hat hero. The Pistons celebrated his muscle, his hair, they put him on billboards and sold him as their "Goin' to Work" centerpiece.

In the end, it wasn't about going to work. It was about getting paid. And again, the only thing bothersome is that Wallace gave signals that it wasn't. He told me that being the highest-paid guy wasn't the only thing that mattered. Yet when the Pistons offered him around $12 million a year for four years -- the fattest salary ever offered a Detroit basketball player -- he asked for more. WAY more.

MICHAEL ROSENBERG: Pistons realize offense rules the NBA (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060713/SPORTS03/607130393/1048/SPORTS)
The Dallas and Miami players who played in the NBA Finals all have something in common: They failed to make the league's All-Defensive team. In fact, none even made the All-Defensive second team.

The last time that happened was 1981.

Dallas and Miami won with offense. Whoever wins next year will win largely because of offense. This is extremely frustrating to some old-school people, and one of those old-school people is Ben Wallace. Remember when he complained about the Pistons' emphasis on offense in the middle of the playoffs? That wasn't an isolated comment. It really bothered him.

But the Pistons had no choice. This isn't 2004. Coach Flip Saunders had to open up the offense to keep up with the rest of the league -- and that wasn't going to work for Ben, because that isn't his game.

Pistons offer Porter a coaching job (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060713/SPORTS13/607130371/1066/SPORTS)
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Former Blazers point guard Terry Porter says the Detroit Pistons have offered him an assistant coaching job.

Porter is leading a group trying to raise enough money to buy the Portland Trail Blazers. He says he won't make any decision on the Detroit offer until the attempt to buy the Blazers plays out ....

Notebook: With Wednesday being the first day free agents could sign contracts, center Nazr Mohammed is officially a Piston. The team made no official announcement, though. He will make about $30 million for five years.

[DetroitPistons.com]
Acker aiming high (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/acker_summerleague_060712.html)
Jason Maxiell, a fellow rookie with Acker last season and current teammate in the summer league, has noticed the improvement in Acker’s play but is not surprised.

“Alex is a skilled player,” said Maxiell who’s averaging 14.5 points after two games. “Compared to last year, you can see this year he’s being more aggressive and at times he’s taking over the game.”

DAVE WIEME: Strictly Business (http://www.nba.com/pistons/features/web_blog_060712.html)
You know what I am? I’m sad. It’s a gloomy July afternoon…the clouds are hanging low and it looks like it could rain any minute. It’s almost like the day knows that something sad is happening today and it is showing outwardly what I feel inside.

Ben was a great addition to this team. He was a guy you could admire because he brought himself up from nothing. He wasn’t drafted and he was only a role player on the early teams that took a chance on him. Even when he came to Detroit, he had a low profile, mostly known as one of the guys Joe Dumars got for Grant Hill.

[Pioneer Press]

Is his best yet to come? (http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/15025357.htm)
Detroit Pistons coach Flip Saunders looked more refreshed and a little more tan, fitting in well in this relaxed setting, wearing a white golf shirt, designer jeans and black penny loafers.
If Saunders is still carrying the weight of losing to the Miami Heat in the NBA Eastern Conference finals, he was playing it off well at the Las Vegas summer league.


man, I love flip. The insight. The passion. What other coach inspires so much....confidence.

From that Pioneer Press article:

"We didn't get to the Finals because we didn't play good enough," Saunders said. "Basically, we messed up one game. We had a home game our first game against Miami that we lost. Outside of that, we beat Miami by (13 points in Game 5) at our place. The other games, we didn't take care of what we needed to do to take care of home court. But you live and learn."

Flip should have "lived" and "learned" a lot by now considering all his early playoff exits. I don't think this guy EVER wins a title.

From that Pioneer Press article:

"We didn't get to the Finals because we didn't play good enough," Saunders said. "Basically, we messed up one game. We had a home game our first game against Miami that we lost. Outside of that, we beat Miami by (13 points in Game 5) at our place. The other games, we didn't take care of what we needed to do to take care of home court. But you live and learn."

Flip should have "lived" and "learned" a lot by now considering all his early playoff exits. I don't think this guy EVER wins a title.

what a moron! :frusty:

:laugh:Oh Flip you're taking this to a whole new level. championship teams win big road games. Sorry buddy, but I have seen no champion in the NBA who won a ship without having to win tough road games in the playoffs.

From the Pioneer Press:

Flip Saunders: "Losing Ben, there's some areas we're not going to be as good, there's some areas we're going to be better," Saunders said. "I think the thing about it is we're a little bit different where you have a team with four all-star players. It's not like you're taking a guy like Kevin Garnett off of Minnesota, and you don't get anything for him. We weren't a team that was built on one player. This is a team that was built on having a lot of players, all being able to play, and because of that I think it doesn't hurt you as much."

"I'm really not worried at all. I mean, they let Wallace walk, and I'm still here. This year we basically stay the same, but with Ben gone, we throw a little zone in there, win one more game in the Eastern Conference finals, and the Championship is ours!"

Albom's take on Ben's credibility or lack thereof.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=SPORTS&template=front

Scroll down. For some reason, the article link wasn't working quickly enough so just click on the FREEP sports front.

[Detroit Free Press]
Wallace charms Chicago (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060714/SPORTS03/607140414/1048/SPORTS)
CHICAGO -- He said he was misunderstood a lot, that he never wanted to take 20 shots per game, that he just wanted to be part of the action at both ends of the floor.

He said it was tough to leave Detroit, where he turned himself into an icon, won a championship and became the face of a franchise.
He said the last week and a half has been difficult, because he's still in Detroit, because he watches the news and reads the papers and knows the city that showered him with love the last six seasons loves him considerably less today.

But mostly, he said it was strange.

And it was.

[MLive.com]
FULL-COURT PRESS: Ben Wallace press conference notes (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/)
The one thing that stuck out to me is that they were class acts. They came in and presented themselves very well. They weren't buying into the fact that the league is changing and you can only win with offensive players. They stressed defense and rebounding. As a basketball player I live by the creed that no one can score without someone rebounding the basketball first. So if you want to be a great scoring team you're going to need rebounders. That's what I bring to the table.

Saunders audio notes: we could be better without Ben
We'll be different in some areas, and I think we'll be better in some areas. Prince is developing into a go-to type player. Delfino, with not having the rift between he and Mo Evans, will not have to worry about having an opportunity. You look back to last season and many of our best fourth quarters was when McDyess was on the court with Rasheed. I think McDyess will get more playing time and push himself to become the All-Star type player he was like five or six years ago.

[HoopsHype]
EDDIE JOHNSON: Wallace will struggle to reach lofty expectations (http://www.hoopshype.com/columns/wallace_johnson.htm)
Ben Wallace will find out early how much Rasheed Wallace, Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince meant to him and how they hid his deficiencies.

He was protected to the max in that lineup with the multitude of offensive players surrounding him. Now he has a young inconsistent team with a volatile coach in Scott Skiles to protect his weaknesses every night.

I know Pistons coach Flip Saunders can’t wait to see those weaknesses exploited, thus proving to everyone why he couldn’t play Wallace consistently against certain teams down the stretch of the season and during the playoffs.

Understand I am not a Wallace-basher. I think he is one of the hardest workers in the league, but there is a reason why... He has no choice. If Wallace didn’t work hard, he would be out the league.

He can’t shoot from outside three feet, he has no post moves, he is an adequate passer at best and he is a horrible free-throw shooter. Wallace's attributes are great weak-side defense and tenacious rebounding.

But understand this warning... If Tyrus Thomas can’t defend the ball in the post like Rasheed did in Detroit allowing Wallace to roam, then he will likely be inconsistent and stay in foul trouble – in the end, not paying the dividends they are expecting.

[Detroit Bad Boys]



Thursday's Layup Drill (http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/detroitbadboys/%7E3/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.detroitbadboys.com%2Farchives%2F2 006-07-13%2Fthursdays-layup-drill%2F)

Ben Wallace set to appear in a press conference announcing his decision to sign with the Bulls, but Mitch Albom won't be tuning in.
A lot of people have pointed to the recent NBA Playoffs as proof that the league is starting to favor offensive-minded teams. It was obvious to anyone that actually watched the [...]

[Need4Sheed]



Delfino Wants To Be Traded.....Again (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/07/delfino-wants-to-be-tradedagain.html)

I got this link via HoopsHype, it's in Spanish but he basically says he doesn't want to ride the bench for another year.


Jason Maxiell Thunder DUNK (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/07/jason-maxiell-thunder-dunk.html)

Highlights of Pistons vs. Suns in the Vegas Summer League. Check out Maxiell!

From RealGM -
Pacers Gain $7.5 Million Trade Exception
14th July, 2006 - 10:13 am

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/41525/20060714/pacers_gain_$75_million_trade_exception/

Here's one of those things in the NBA salary cap / trading rules that make you want to pull your hair out trying to understand. But, shows that Indiana is not done shopping yet.



From RealGM -
Cavs, Gooden Negotiations Breaking Down
14th July, 2006 - 4:29 am

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/41514/20060714/cavs_gooden_negotiations_breaking_down/

It's not over yet, but Gooden could be out of Cleveland.

[Detroit News]
ROB PARKER: O'Brien skips on Flip (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060715/SPORTS08/607150326/1004/SPORTS)
My moles are telling me that Jim O'Brien is not joining the Pistons after all.

O'Brien, the former 76ers and Celtics head coach, appeared to be heading to Motown to join Flip Saunders ' coaching staff.

O'Brien, currently in Greece, interviewed for an assistant's gig. The Pistons wanted him. It seemed as if O'Brien wanted back into the league after sitting out last season.

Now, moles say, there are some family issues that will prevent O'Brien from taking the job.

[Detroit Free Press]
Pistons stay on the flip side (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060715/SPORTS03/60715001/1048/SPORTS)
Coach Flip Saunders, meet your newest reserve, Ronald (Flip) Murray.

A person within the Pistons organization confirmed Friday that the team will introduce Murray, a guard, alongside Ben Wallace's stand-in, center Nazr Mohammed, at a press conference next week.

Terms of the deal could not be confirmed, but it is almost certain Murray will accept the team's biennial exception, a $1.75-million salary slot for teams over the league's salary cap to spend every second year on the free agent market.

[MLive.com]
A. SHERROD BLAKELY: Another Flip to the D (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/weblog/)
Flip Murray has agreed to a two-year deal with the Pistons, starting at $1.7 million for this upcoming season. He will be play behind Chauncey Billups, and at times, can be used as a backup to Richard Hamilton as well.

Although Murray, who was with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, struggled in the playoffs against the Pistons, he seems to be the kind of change-of-pace guard Joe Dumars said he was looking for.

FULL-COURT PRESS: Bulls frontload Wallace's contract (http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/fullcourtpress/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_fcpress/archives/2006_07.html#161380)
The Bulls had about $17.5 million in salary-cap space for this season, and general manager John Paxson said Thursday that most of it is going to Wallace.

Wallace benefits by getting more money up front, and the structure of the deal helps the Bulls absorb contract extensions to Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, Ben Gordon and Luol Deng in the coming seasons.

wow rob parker way to give us the scoop on o'brien, nice 'moles', even though we said over a week ago (maybe even two) that we knew he wasn't returning to coaching this year...

wow rob parker way to give us the scoop on o'brien, nice 'moles', even though we said over a week ago (maybe even two) that we knew he wasn't returning to coaching this year...
Rob's moles = PF.com posters :rolleyes:

Pistons to Sign Murray: Detroit Online News:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060715/UPDATE/607150416

[NBA.com]
RICK KAMLA: Living Las Vegas (http://www.nba.com/features/livinglasvegas_060715.html)
.... If you’re anything like me, you were watching the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft wondering what the Pistons were doing when they traded Maurice Evans to the Lakers for the draft rights to center Cheikh Samb (pronounced Check). Well, I’m here to say that Joe Dumars and his staff may have unearthed a legitimate player from the Senegal with the 51st overall pick.

Samb goes 7-1, 195, which is a good news-bad news scenario, but the 21-year-old with exactly one year of professional experience can play the game on both ends. Samb closed the VSL with his best game of the tourney, dropping 10 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks on the Celtics.

All five of Samb’s field goals came on baseline jumpers, including a pretty 15-foot fadeaway and a clutch J late in the fourth quarter. Samb finished the VSL with averages of 7.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, and he opened a lot of eyes in the process.

Yes, he needs to live in an Italian restaurant for the next two years, eating nothing but pasta drenched in cream sauce, and yes, the Pistons could probably save on air fare by faxing him back to Detroit, but I saw the birth of a future shot-blocking freak at the 2006 Toshiba Vegas Summer League.

[Detroit Free Press]
Maxiell, Acker make progress for Pistons (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060716/SPORTS03/607160640/1048/SPORTS)
Maxiell dropped 15 pounds before camp opened by cutting junk food, bread and other carbs out of his diet. He did so without any specific orders from the Pistons; he simply wanted to better his game, get quicker, jump higher and prove he might help fill the void that Ben Wallace left when he split for Chicago.

Hammond said Maxiell, like the other young players, still has more work to do before he can be assured playing time. One big key for him in particular will be free-throw shooting. He struggled last season when he did get playing time, and he wasn't any better in Vegas, averaging 44.4%.

But he took a small step toward improvement in the final game, Friday's loss to Boston, when he shot 9-for-12 from the line.

"I shot 20 more free throws at practice the day before," he said. "I need to keep working on that this summer, and I plan on doing that."

Acker isn't even assured a roster spot, much less playing time, but he made a strong case for himself in Vegas. He averaged 18.4 points (but shot 36.4%) and played his natural position of shooting guard after a year of trying to play point guard.

"We needed to replace a point guard last year, and we put him into an unfair position," Hammond said. "But we needed that, and he fulfilled the role. But he's much more comfortable at the two."

That move alone seemed to liberate Acker, who has received a qualifying offer from the Pistons and is a restricted free agent. But after agreeing to a two-year deal with free agent guard Ronald (Flip) Murray, the Pistons might not have room for him on their roster, no matter how much the team likes him.

[MLN: The Raw Feed]


Ron Moore Head Coach of ABA Newark Express (http://mlntherawfeed.squarespace.com/minor-league-sports-business/2006/7/16/ron-moore-head-coach-of-aba-newark-express.html)

MLN Newswire - Newark, NJ. The ABA Newark Express are proud to name Ron Moore as Head Coach. Ron grew up in Brooklyn, NY where he attended Thomas Jefferson HS and became an All City player. He then attended West Virginia State University. While there, he became an All Conference and All American player. Ron was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1987 and then traded to the Detroit Pistons, playing there from 1987 to 1989. Ron played for the Phoenix Suns from 1989-1990 before continuing his professional playing career in Europe, playing in France, Switzerland, Greece and Argentina.

wow rob parker way to give us the scoop on o'brien, nice 'moles', even though we said over a week ago (maybe even two) that we knew he wasn't returning to coaching this year...
Parker's facial moles talk to him at night. Austin Powers of the mole.

USA Today article on the Pistons acquiring Flip & Nazr. Pretty good article.

added by roscoe:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/pistons/2006-07-17-mohammed-murray_x.htm

[Booth Newspapers]



Pistons bring back Dupree (http://www.mlive.com/pistons/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/115318141542821.xml&coll=1)
By A. Sherrod Blakely

AUBURN HILLS -- When Rasheed Wallace or one of his Detroit Pistons teammates cracked jokes during training camp last year, chances were pretty good that, at some point, they would be directed at Ronald Dupree.

The 6-foot-7 forward was well-liked by his teammates in Detroit.

Apparently, the Pistons front office also feels pretty good about him because Dupree is back in Detroit, with a two-year contract that includes a player option after next season.


[Sun-Sentinel]



The Game of Catering to Rich (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/la-sp-seats18jul18,0,5882183.story?coll=sfla-sports-front)
To pump up revenue, pro sports franchises and facilities create new spaces and ways to pamper those in the elite seats
By Greg Johnson

The Detroit Pistons converted storage lockers beneath the stands at the Palace of Auburn Hills and built "bunker suites" there. Although patrons can't see the live action from these suites, it's a short walk between the suites that resemble private clubs and courtside seats. The suites lease for more than $350,000 a year.

Interesting take on the earnings from facilities. The Palace of course is an anamoly in American sports because it was built with 100% private money (no help from the municipality), and at the time it opened, was one of the most revolutionary arena designs. Rumour has it that when new arenas are built, architects and marketers pick the brain of the Palace front office for tips and ideas to improve upon the original "modern arena".

[Pistons.com]



Pistons Sign Center Nazr Mohammed (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/mohammed_signing_060718.html)
Tuesday, July 18, 2006

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has signed center Nazr Mohammed to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.



Max Appeal (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/maxiell_summerleague_060719.html)
Monday, July 19, 2006

For someone who grew up idolizing Michael Jordan, one would at least think that Jason Maxiell’s game would possess a little finesse and grace. Not so for the second-year Pistons forward who’s becoming known for his rim-rattling dunks and physical play.

“I just love to play aggressive,” said Maxiell. “I only know how to play hard and I love to attack the rim.”



Pistons Sign Guard Ronald “Flip” Murray (http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/rmurray_signing_060718)
Tuesday, July 18, 2006

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has signed guard Ronald “Flip” Murray to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.



[Detroit Free Press]



Pistons introduce Mohammed, Murray (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060718/SPORTS19/60718006)
By KRISTA JAHNKE

Maybe it’s just spin. Or maybe the Pistons really believe they can be even better next season than the Ben Wallace-led squad that won 64 games last season.

Either way, the Pistons had plenty of positive things to say as they introduced their newest two teammates — center Nazr Mohammed and guard Flip Murray — at a press conference Tuesday morning.

Team president Joe Dumars and coach Flip Saunders both stressed that the two free agent signees are “Piston types,” in that they’re good people, first and foremost.

Team president Joe Dumars and coach Flip Saunders both stressed that the two free agent signees are “Piston types,” in that they’re good people, first and foremost.

:laugh:

I'm starting to like Krista Jahnke (Latham)... she works a little harder than the rest... actually gets interviews.
I wish someone would clarify the length of of Murray's contract... NBATV says it's for three years... if it's only two we've got an expiring deal next year.... player opt after this year?

Anoter Maxiell article:

http://www.nba.com/pistons/news/maxiell_summerleague_060719.html

I wish someone would clarify the length of of Murray's contract... NBATV says it's for three years... if it's only two we've got an expiring deal next year.... player opt after this year? The BAE can only be a for a max of two years, so two it is.

[The Portland Tribune]


Ha’s time may be running short (http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=115319144738498800)
By Kerry Eggers

"Terry Porter will take a job as assistant coach with Detroit unless something happens in his group’s bid for Blazer ownership over the next few weeks. The ex-Blazer guard can’t wait too long or the Piston position will go away."

DELFINO DRAMA: Forward Carlos Delfino made comments in a Spanish-language publication last week that carried unhappy undertones, although exact translations can be spotty.
But Dumars said Delfino indicated at the end of the season that he wants to be in Detroit.
"If he thinks he should be somewhere else," Dumars said, "I'll call you guys and say, 'We made a trade.' It's simple. There's no gray area for me."

Joe on Delfino (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060719/SPORTS03/607190368/1051)

Davidson was rather coy when asked about the notion he would never give any player a maximum contract.
"It's absolutely a false perception," he said.

Mr. D Talks (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060719/SPORTS0102/607190323/1004/SPORTS)

Dumars also heard talk that the Pistons, by not re-signing Wallace, were lowering expectations for the 2006-07 season.
"Our goals are the same," he said. "I am not going to sit up here and say we're playing for second place. We brought these two guys in here to help us win a championship.
"I'll tell you what, when the other guys come back for training camp, make sure you ask them if they think our goals have changed. Those guys will have something to say about that because that's selling them short."

Joe & Flip talking about new team. Done dealing? (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060719/SPORTS0102/607190322/1004/SPORTS)

Saunders to do things his way

http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060719/SPORTS03/607190368/1051

One thing that bothers me is the fact that Flip said he's going to make this team use a lot more zone. His reasoning was that the team stopped miami more when they used zone in the ECF. I don't know why I just hate zone defense. I think it won't be as effective because Ben isn't here to get the rebound. When you play the zone you usually don't boxout because you're not gaurding 1 player.

Dumars: Pistons' defense won't rest:
Mohammed, Murray, new pieces to puzzle, will shore up the team on both ends of the court.

Link: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060719/SPORTS0102/607190322

Everybody into the Free Agent Pool...82games.com


"Over the past two years, 34 different players signed free-agent deals worth at least $35 million," writes Hollinger. "Of those, by my count, there are at least 15 whose teams would gladly give them away if they could. I mean literally give them away, just to be rid of the contract. ... Beyond those, there are at least another five whose teams deeply regret signing them (or should) ... . "Twenty busts out of 34 contracts. Isn't that amazing, considering these teams are the supposed "winners" of free agency? And shouldn't that be a huge signal that teams ought to be more careful in taking risks like this in the free agent market?"

http://www.82games.com/pelton23.htm

Pistons welcome their free agents: Detroit meets Mohammed, Murray

Link: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060719/SPORTS03/607190388

Basketbills, great link. In some regards it absolves the Pistons of letting Ben Wallace go given the probability that his contract would become an albatross, and yet on the other hand, indicts them for not being able to effectively utilize rookie contracts (except Prince and Okur) to help manage salary/performance.

I'm gunna print and read that one a few times.

One thing that bothers me is the fact that Flip said he's going to make this team use a lot more zone. His reasoning was that the team stopped miami more when they used zone in the ECF. I don't know why I just hate zone defense. I think it won't be as effective because Ben isn't here to get the rebound. When you play the zone you usually don't boxout because you're not gaurding 1 player.
I know this isn't the place to start a discussion, but our #1 defensive liability is the red carpet to the paint (with or without Ben). The best way to stop that is zone. I can't fault Flip for trying to correct that with the pieces he has.

[Detroit Bad Boys]



Friday's Layup Drill (http://feeds.feedburner.com/%7Er/detroitbadboys/%7E3/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.detroitbadboys.com%2Farchives%2F2 006-07-21%2Ffridays-layup-drill%2F)

Off topic, but we'd be remiss if we didn't comment on the Detroit Tigers' remarkable week. They are making believers out of the most skeptical of fans and have continued the Detroit-area teams' run of regular-season dominance. After taking two of three from the rival White Sox, they are now 64-31 tops [...]

[The Grand Rapids Press]



Laimbeer 'hooked' on WNBA (http://www.mlive.com/sports/grpress/index.ssf?/base/sports-3/115339832249390.xml&coll=6)
By Bob Becker

AUBURN HILLS -- Bill Laimbeer acknowledges his appreciation for women's basketball came later in life.

Now coach of the WNBA's Detroit Shock, Laimbeer had a solid NBA career, leading the Pistons to back-to-back NBA titles in 1989 and 1990. He remains the franchise leader in rebounds (9,430).



[The Prescott Daily Courier]



Getting your money's worth with Brown (http://prescottdailycourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=40481&TM=48895.49)
By JORDAN KOBRITZ

How much should an NBA coach who led his team to a 23-59 record, the second worst in the league last year, and the most losses in team history, be paid? If you're Larry Brown, recently deposed coach of the New York Knicks, the answer is $50 million. If you're James Dolan, owner of the Knicks, the $10 million already paid is probably causing indigestion.


[Kerrville Daily Times]



Why Pop Why? (http://web.dailytimes.com/story.lasso?ewcd=233e8425fe2e0b8c)
By Jason Chlapek

Remember the hit single, “Big Yellow Taxi?”

There was a line in the song, “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.” I wonder if that’s how San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich feels these days.

On Feb. 24, 2005, Popovich traded Spurs fan-favorite Malik Rose to the New York Knicks for Nazr Mohammed. Rose, a 6-foot-7 forward who played like he was 7-1, did not have the size Popovich wanted to complement Tim Duncan. Mohammed is 6-10.

The preseason rankings are already out (not sure if anyone posted this somewhere else) and the Dime and Fox folks have already dropped the Pistons down to 8th behind the Clippers, Cavs, and Bulls. Not sure if another FA aquisition or trade will see us move up before the season starts, but there quote is:
Nazr Mohammed certainly isn’t the answer, and suddenly the Pistons look like an aging team in decline.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/powerRankings

Pistons are way better than 8th. These guys are just messed up because they put the Magic in 29th too.:ohwell:

Pistons are way better than 8th. These guys are just messed up because they put the Magic in 29th too.:ohwell:

Hmm... no mention of Darko as a "cornerstone"?

"The cornerstones are there in Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson..."

I think Jameer Nelson is a defensive liability and not a good ball distributer... guess some folks have a different opinion of what a cornerstone is.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5807564

Charlie Rosen is so mean, he makes my eyes hurt when I read his articles.

A Tuneup for the Pistons

Link: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketball/heat/sfl-ira23jul23,0,5952593.column?track=rss

I never really stopped to think about it, but its true. Last year, we stayed the same and Miami changed to stop us, now the rolls are completely reversed.

As for Mr.D's comments, I wouldn't call it "bored", but "complacent" for sure. Hopefully the shock of being manhandled this post season will turn out to be the best thing for this franchise.

[Need4Sheed]

The Detroit Pistons, old school and the new. (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/07/detroit-pistons-old-school-and-new.html)

[Need4Sheed]

Rasheed replaces Ben in the Palace Locker Room Store. (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/07/rasheed-replaces-ben-in-palace-locker.html)

Hello? Ben Wallace jerseys for $20?

Hello? Ben Wallace jerseys for $20?


How fitting that the Ben Wallace Championship jersey is a Sell Out. Just like the player.

[Need4Sheed]

The Detroit Pistons, old school and the new. (http://need4sheed.blogspot.com/2006/07/detroit-pistons-old-school-and-new.html)
The Rockin Rick Mahorn hipcheck at 2:12 is a thing of beauty, yessirrr!

Who's that in the huddle at 3:44 ... "gotta play on, let's roll!"

who is that? Thats the captain.

I dug this one up out of the archive. The quote that launched quit a few posts this past weekend.


When you are picking as far down as we were (26th overall) and with the type of team we have, the most critical thing becomes making sure you add somebody that fits into your culture and environment," Pistons president Joe Dumars said. "We feel this guy has the same DNA as the rest of the Pistons."


Carefull though. I could only find the printable version so make sure you don't print it out by mistake.

http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/print.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_beyondthearc/archives/print066808.html

[RealGM]

The SuperDuperStar Theory (http://www.realgm.com/src_goaltending/107/20060725/the_superduperstar_theory/)

GMs still do not appreciate the importance of getting a SuperDuperStar. Many are satisfied collecting talented pieces with the hope they become greater than the sum of their parts. Over the last 25 years, however, only one team has been able to win an NBA Championship without a SuperDuperStar.


Interesting article which looks at the superstar effect in a statistical way.

Analysts think Pistons have slipped from great to good

Link:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060725/SPORTS03/607250381

Acker may be off to Greece

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2006