In nine seasons with the Detroit Pistons (2000-2006 and 2009-2012), Ben Wallace finished five of them as the regular season’s Most Valuable Defensive Player. By receiving this individual distinction for the fourth time in his career, Big Ben became the second player to be honored four times after Dikembe Mutombo.
Recognizable with his afro, Ben Wallace received his first title during the 2001-2002 season at the age of 27. In 80 games, the undrafted center averaged 7.6 points, 13 rebounds and 3.5 blocks, his best blocking average of his career, by the way. With 116 votes for first place, he was well ahead of the second, Kevin Garnett (only two votes for first place). He finished as the best blocker that season ahead of Raef LaFrentz (2.7 blocks) and Alonzo Mourning. He was the best rebounder ahead of Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett who respectively averaged 12.7 and 12.1 rebounds per game.
The following season, in 2002-2003, the former Virginia Union player did double duty by being honored again for his defensive qualities. Ben Wallace finished it with averages of 6.9 points, 15.4 rebounds and 3.2 blocks in 73 games. He finished again as the best rebounder ahead of Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan. He posted the best average in blocks, tied with Theo Ratliff (Hawks). He was ahead of Ron Artest and Kevin Garnett in the ranking of this distinction.
In 2003-2004, this time, no trophy, the 2004 NBA champion with the Pistons, finished second in the ranking of the best defender of the year. It was Ron Artest (Indiana Pacers) who was elected. Wallace then delivered averages of 9.5 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3 blocks. He was the second best rebounder, tied with Tim Duncan, behind Kevin Garnett. Ratliff was the best blocker of the season, Wallace the second.
In 2004-2005, he won the NBA’s best defensive player award for the third time at age 30. Big Ben averaged 9.7 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 74 games. He finished ahead of Bruce Bowen (Spurs) and Marcus Camby (Nuggets) for this individual trophy. He finished second best rebounder behind Kevin Garnett again. In blocks, he was in fifth position behind Andrei Kirilenko (Jazz, 3.3 average), Marcus Camby (Nuggets, 3 average), Tim Duncan (Spurs, 2.6 average) and Theo Ratliff (Blazers, 2.5 average).
Finally, in 2005-2006, he received this trophy for a fourth time. Wallace recorded averages of 7.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 82 games. He beat Bruce Bowen (Spurs) and Andrei Kirilenko (Jazz) for this trophy.
Ben Wallace’s Top 10 Counters
2024-09-10 19:04:12