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Rasheed Wallace and his impact on the Detroit Pistons

ByTravis Gibbs|
AUBURN HILLS, MI - FEBRUARY 26: Former Detroit Piston, Rasheed Wallace smiles and attends the game against the Boston Celtics on February 26, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - FEBRUARY 26: Former Detroit Piston, Rasheed Wallace smiles and attends the game against the Boston Celtics on February 26, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)

On his 44th birthday, we honor former Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace. It’s hard to say whether or not they win an NBA title without him in 2004.

The Detroit Pistons are 30 days away from their home opener against the Brooklyn Nets. With the new season approaching, I thought it would be fun to look at who has worn the No. 30 jersey for the Pistons throughout time.

Jon Leuer currently wears that number. He played a big role during the 2016-2017 season.

Let’s be real. There will never be anyone quite like Rasheed Wallace wearing that same number for the Detroit Pistons ever again.

Let’s not forget that he actually has a birthday today as well.

Wallace was a big part of the ‘Going to Work’ era for Detroit. He came to Detroit from the Atlanta Hawks during the 2003-2004 season.

He not only added to the defensive philosophy that Detroit was looking for. Wallace brought a psychological advantage with him to Detroit. He played with attitude and a ton of emotion.

The Pistons were 34-23 on the season when they acquired Wallace. They finished the season with an astounding 20-5 record to finish the regular season with Wallace starting at power forward.

He averaged 13 points and seven rebounds a game after coming to Detroit. Wallace averaged two blocks a game as well.

There’s one stat that points to how important his presence was for the Detroit Pistons. The team had an 18.3 plus/minus per 100 possessions while Wallace was on the floor. The next best player wasn’t even close in this category.

It’s hard to say whether or not the Pistons go on to win an NBA championship without Wallace being acquired in February of 2004.

He played 399 games for the Detroit Pistons over the next six seasons. He averaged 13 points and seven rebounds a game throughout that time. The Pistons never missed the playoffs during that time.

Oh, and never forget this.

You won’t find many with the passion that Wallace brought to the table every single night. Thanks for everything, ‘Sheed.

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