Why?
Why does he complain after nearly every call by a referee? Why does he collect more technical fouls than any other player in the league? Why does he hurt his team at times?
So many questions about Rasheed Wallace, but one thing is certain. He is the answer to whether or not the Detroit Pistons will repeat as NBA Champions.
The Pistons face the San Antonio Spurs as the NBA Finals tip-off in the Rivercity. Widely regarded as the best two teams in the league, they are expected to have a very lengthy, physical encounter over the next two weeks. We will see the consistency of Tim Duncan and Richard Hamilton, the speed of Tony Parker, the clutch shot-making of Chauncey Billups, the untamed style of Manu Ginobili, and the defensive presence of guys like Tayshaun Prince, Bruce Bowen, and Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace.
The question is what will Rasheed do?
—- “The ball don’t lie!” —-
During the playoffs, Wallace has averaged 16.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in the 12 Detroit wins. In six losses, he has averaged 12 points and six rebounds. He has shot a higher percentage from the field, the free throw line, and three-point range in wins than in losses. In games Wallace has scored 17 or more points, the Pistons are 6-0. When scoring less than 17 points, Detroit is only 6-6.
Look at some of his individual games as proof of his extraordinary talent and befuddling inconsistency. In Game 4 of the Eastern Semis against Indiana (a game that he guaranteed a Detroit win), Wallace had 17 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks as the Pistons blew away the Pacers and grabbed control of the series. However, in the pivotal Game 5 of the East Finals against Miami with the series tied 2-2, he only shot three times and scored two points. Then, with the season on the line in Game 7, Rasheed raised his game. He scored 20 points, corralled seven rebounds, went 8 of 13 from the floor, and yelled to the Heat “Don’t leave me!” after nailing a three-pointer.
Why? With all his talent, why doesn’t he bring it every single night? Part of it may be the team surrounding him. He can afford to not play up to his full potential when he has such great talent supporting him; teammates who are willing to take the big shots and the pressure away from him. Maybe he doesn’t want the responsibility to be great, even though greatness is in his game. Maybe he knows he can get away with being a light switch, showing us his full repertoire only when he wants to or when his team needs it. In Portland, he was looked upon to carry the team to the championship. In Detroit, he is merely a cog in the engine, but a vital one.
Now, Wallace can’t afford to be the piston that stalls that engine while facing his biggest challenge. Two-time NBA Finals MVP Tim Duncan is not a hobbled Chris Webber, a banged-up Jermaine O’Neal, or an undersized Udonis Haslem. Duncan is one of the top five players in the world. However, Wallace has the ability to give Duncan trouble on both ends of the floor. He’s just as tall and long as Duncan and can pull Duncan away from the lane with his 3-point range in addition to his post-up game. The question is will Wallace actually play at Duncan’s level of brilliance? I believe he will have to, but does he believe he will have to? Which Sheed will show up? The 20 and 10 Sheed? The three field goal attempt Sheed? He’ll bring the championship belt, but will he bring his championship game?
As a basketball fan, all I ask for is effort and passion. From those who are blessed with great talent, I want them to mesh their given abilities with an insatiable desire to be great. So, watching Wallace can be a joy and a disappointment all within 2 ½ hours. Most of the time, I’m left asking the question `why?’ Why get a technical foul when you’re down and losing control of the game? Why doesn’t he dominate like this more often?
He will be the answer to whether or not Detroit raises its second consecutive Larry O’Brien trophy, but we’ll still be asking questions about Rasheed Wallace long after these next two weeks are over.
5 replies on “Wallace gives us more questions than answers”
good story good story but in my eyes, Richard Hamilton is the X factor for the series
X-Factor is not Wallace What makes the Pistons a great team is simply that. They are a “team”. I don’t believe there is a true X-Factor for the Pistons, and if there was one, it would be Rip Hamilton, not Rasheed. As Rip goes, so do the Pistons.
RIP Last night Rip didn’t get 20 points, they lost. He’s the key.
That’s the thing about opinions I’m entitled to mine, you’re entitled to yours.
True, Rip didn’t get 20.
Rasheed only got six points, was in foul trouble and only took six shots. While the guy he was guarding got 24 pts and 17 rebs. I still think Rasheed is the key.
Alright, Alright True, true. I still stand by the opinion that there is no true X-Factor. On any given night, either one of the starting five, with the exclusion of Ben Wallace, can step up and have a great game.