Ben Wallace returns to Detroit...signs 1 year deal with the Pistons.

[Now_Im_Not_Banned]

Pistons re-sign Ben Wallace for 1 year
Wallace rejoins team; expected to be leader more than a player


Chris McCosky / The Detroit News

Auburn Hills -- On a day when the Pistons signed all three 2009 draft picks, they also reached an agreement with one of their former all-stars.

Ben Wallace, the four-time defensive player of the year, agreed to terms with the Pistons on a one-year deal worth $1.3 million. Wallace is expected to sign the deal next week.

Wallace's role in Detroit, however, is expected to be a far reduced one than when he left for Chicago in 2006. He will be the fifth big man and serve as a much-needed leader on a team whose average age is 25.

His playing time is expected to be drastically reduced.

Wallace, who spent his last season battling injuries with Cleveland, will be 35 in September. He averaged 7.9 points and 12.8 rebounds with the Pistons from 2000-06.

The Pistons also signed first-round pick Austin Daye to a multi-year deal starting at $1.4 million. Second-round picks DaJuan Summers and Jonas Jerebko also signed 2-year deals worth $457,000 per year.


of course, he's nowhere near where he was in his prime...but it's nice to see him back with the Pistons, where he played his best ball.


PG Rodney Stuckey...Will Bynum
SG Rip Hamilton...Ben Gordon
SF Tayshaun Prince...Jonas Jerebko/Dajuan Summers
PF Charlie Villanueva...Jason Maxiell/Austin Daye
C Kwame Brown...Chris Wilcox/Ben Wallace


contenders in the east

['EclipZe]

Cool add (on paper that is) but I don't know about them being contenders. I am dying to see how the chemistry of this team will work out and what villanueva and gordon can bring to this team!