Ben Wallace used to be terrifying!
It’s tough being on the sidelines when you’re banged up. Then you’ve got to put in all that work to get back in the rotation. It’s becoming a young man’s game.” – Ben Wallace on thoughts of retirement.
These are the saddest words Big Ben has ever spoken. He used to be the hardest working man in the sport. Now, he hardly wants to work. He has never been the same since leaving the Pistons, floating from Central Division team to Central Division team like a spiritless spirit the past three seasons. This is, in part, because the business decision not to re-sign him in Detroit broke his heart. And also part because his abilities have suffered a marked decrease.
I agree that basketball has become a young man’s game. But Ben Wallace was never good at basketball. He was a hustling, athletic superfreak. And hustling, athletic superfreakdom is most certainly a young man’s game. At 34, Body should be only a couple seasons removed from his prime. But in today’s NBA, it’s all downhill after 30. And, of course, by “Today’s NBA,” I mean “Life.”
Let’s sound off three gongs for the career of Ben Wallace…and one for the rest of us old folks.
There will be happy playing days ahead for Big Ben, only from now on they will involve Don Reid and remote control cars. Maybe he can invite Lebron over to play with them. Apparently he didn’t get one for Christmas or something. Ask Mo Williams. On second thought, don’t.
Posted by BA Brokeass
you just dropped the wisdom. i feel more emotionally complex for having read this. thanks yo!
I really enjoyed reading your article, keep on creating such exciting posts.
I love this photo. Does anyone know where I can find it?