Ben Wallace isn't a center. He looks good only because there aren't many good centers in the league. How would Ben Wallace have done against Robert Parish, Kareem, or Shaq in their prime? He would have gotten destroyed. The fact that he can guard an aging Shaq only verifies that getting rid of Shaq instead of caving to his demands for an extension at $30+ million per year was the right thing to do. Does anyone really think he's going to be able to come through on his promise of bringing a title to Miami?

The Lakers are going to a lot better than many people expect. Kobe is under-rated and much more of a team player than many people give him credit for. I'll tell you what. If I had teammates that couldn't throw the ball in the ocean I'd jack up a lot of shots too. Kobe was 2nd on the team in assists during the regular season, and led the team in assists during the playoffs. I suspect his assist average will go up now that the team has some other decent players.

 

I have to argue with you on this one. Ben Wallace is certainly a center, and a pretty good one at that. He isn't a high-powered offensive machine, but he is awesome on D. I think he is what a center should be. Quick, Muscular, and Agile! I can argue this to no end, but I think his stats for the both the playoffs and regular season speak better.

2004 Playoffs

Total Rebounds - #1 - 328.
Total Offensive Rebounds - #1 - 95.
Total Defensive Rebounds - #1 - 233
Total Blocks - #2 - 56

2003 - 2004 Regular Season

Rebounds per game - #2 - 12.4
Total Rebounds - #2 - 1006
Total Offensive Rebounds - #2 - 324
Total Defensive Rebounds - #3 - 682
Total Blocks - #2 - 246

I think that the numbers back my claims. As for comparisons of past vs. present, I can't say. It is like asking if Ali would beat Tyson in his prime. Who knows. But IMHO I think Wallace is a good player.

 

Wallace is a great player, and in todays day and age if you want to classify him as a center so be it. His size doesn't allow him to be considered a center in a historical perspective. There's no way he could guard a true center in their prime. The fact that there aren't many true centers in the NBA just allows him to play that position. As far as stats go, Rodman led the league in rebounds for years but noone would ever accuse him of being a center. Being a good role player and excelling in certain statistical areas doesn't determine a position.

 

I guess I can live with that statement, except for guarding some of those centers. The man is a blocking machine!

 

Wallace wasn't guarding Shaq 1 on 1. He had help from one and sometimes 2 other guys. He is a good center nonetheless. I don't think Shaq's comments on Kobe were a cheapshot. He seemed to be very sincere about his compliments. He even said "greater than Jordan, Duncan, and Shaq." Shaq would never say someone might be better than himself. He has too much pride, but he did mention his own name when comparing Bryant's skills.

 

BOOOOO keep that staement to your self
its all kob3e baby and its a thing called the pick and role...ya know what the lakers got served with

 

I think Shaq is underestimating Kobe. The whole Laker team was built around Shaq. Of course when Shaq was out they wouldn't be as good.

However, with a team built around Kobe you'll see him shine. I hope they destroy Miami.