In a recent episode of the Everything Pistons Podcast, Detroit Pistons’ legend Ben Wallace sat down for a wide-ranging interview that touched on his time with the Pistons, his new business ventures and more.
Hosts Lance Caporossi and Andrew Clements discussed his new collaboration with Green Door distillery, his time with the Pistons, and some lesser known facts like the wrist injury that nearly derailed his career.
Here were some interesting moments from the interview.
Ben Wallace and Green Door Distillery
Ben Wallace has partnered with Green Door Distillery out of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Yes, he’ll be releasing his own signature adult beverage to the Great Lakes State soon. When asked how he got involved with the local company Wallace replied:
"“Well the relationship was made from my time with Grand Rapids Drive, you know from my time working with those guys, …we built a relationship they called me and said they had something in the works and I went up there checked it out, thought it would be something I would enjoy being apart of and we took it from there.”"
Big Ben was known for his tenacity on the court, his approach to business shows the same traits. He has already made an appearance at the distillery, taste testing potential samples for his signature beverage. Wallace talked about his hands on approach:
"“I’m going to be very involved, …I think that’s what it’s all about, the days and times of just lending your face to brand or product and just saying you’re a part of it I think those days are done.”"
Big Ben discussed more of his current business deals on the podcast, as he’s been involved in several “outside of the box” business ventures including his own strains of legal cannabis.
Big Ben played guard for Boston
Big Ben went un-drafted in the legendary 1996 NBA draft, which is often recognized as one of the best classes in NBA history, featuring players Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, and the late Kobe Bryant to name a few. The Boston Celtics invited the young big man to their summer league giving him a opportunity to showcase his skills. Ben Wallace has always been a team first guy so when asked to play on the perimeter he did that.
Who would’ve thought that same un-drafted perimeter player would become one of the greatest defensive big men the league ever had? The Celtics sure didn’t see that coming. The former Piston said he led the team in rebounds and blocks that summer as a perimeter player. The Celtics should’ve taken notice.
It was an unlikely journey from Summer League guard to Hall-of-Fame center for Ben Wallace.
Detroit Pistons: Ben Wallace’s wrist injury
There were plenty of tidbits from the interview that even diehard fans of the Detroit Pistons and Ben Wallace may not have known. One that caught my attention was the injury to Wallace’s wrist. It was an old high school football injury that may have kept him from reaching his offensive potential.
According to Wallace, doctors told him the ligaments in his shooting wrist were torn and needed reconstructive surgery. This injury caused his wrist to go out of place when he shot the basketball, disrupting his natural shooting motion. Ben turned down the doctors request for surgery stating:
"“My thing was I found my niche in the league and it’s not scoring, it’s rebounding and defending so I’m going to keep this wrist as it is and go out and block some shots with it.”"
It’s an interesting twist in his narrative, as the wrist injury may have pushed him towards being more of a defensive specialist, which is how he found his niche in the NBA. It’s interesting to wonder how this factored into his career and his ceiling as an offensive/defensive player.
The Conclusion
Wallace went in-depth with takes on everything from how the 2017 Warriors would stack up against the 2004 Pistons, his favorite shot block of all time and what his life has been like after retirement.
It’s a fascinating interview featuring a Detroit Pistons’ legend who continues to find success off the court.
Catch up with the Everything Pistons Podcast here.