"There's never been a player in our era that can impact the game like Ben does defensively," Pistons coach Flip Saunders said. "He can guard five guys on floor ¡ª and sometimes he does it on one play."

Wallace guarded James at times in Detroit's 113-86 win Sunday over the Cavs in the opener of their second-round series. James is not surprised Wallace won the top defender award again.

"He deserves it," James said. "You have to be aggressive when you go to the hole, because he's capable of blocking your shot or stripping you."

Though Wallace is listed as a 6-foot-9, 240-pound center, he said he's really 6-7, making his respectable matchups with O'Neal even more impressive because he gives up six inches and about 100 pounds.

This season, Wallace helped Detroit win an NBA-high and franchise-record 64 games while being selected an All-Star for the fourth straight year.

He ranked fourth in the NBA in rebounding (11.3), ninth in blocks (2.2) and 10th in steals (1.78) ¡ª the only player among the top 10 in all three categories. The undrafted free agent from Virginia Union became the fifth player in league history to have 100 blocks and 100 steals in six straight seasons, a list that includes Olajuwon, Julius Erving, Sam Lacey and David Robinson.

Wallace scored 7.3 points a game this season and has not averaged double digits in any of his 10 years in the league. Since beginning in his career with the Washington Wizards, he has averaged 6.6 points and made 42 percent of his free throws.

"Everybody knows I'm not on the floor because I'm great scorer or free throw shooter," he said. "It's because I'm out there to defend and rebound."

Despite his lack of scoring, he's been key to the Pistons' success since he was acquired from Orlando along with Chucky Atkins in a sign-and-trade deal for Grant Hill before the 2000-01 season.

Wallace helped Detroit advance in the playoffs in 2002 ¡ª for the first time since 1991 ¡ª to the conference finals in 2003, win a title in 2004 and get to the finals last year.

Page:

1

2

3