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5 best quotes from Detroit Pistons Media Day

By Blake Silverman

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 26: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Detroit pistons poses for a portrait during Detroit Pistons Media Day at Little Caesars Arena on September 26, 2022 in Detroit, 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 26: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Detroit pistons poses for a portrait during Detroit Pistons Media Day at Little Caesars Arena on September 26, 2022 in Detroit, 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons
Dec 21, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Nerlens Noel (3) and Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports /

Nerlens Noel on Ben Wallace

"I want to be back in the Defensive Player of the Year contention, I want to bring that grit to Detroit that I know that I have. You know, there’s a reason I can’t wear no. 3. That’s a player that I grew up really watching his game and watching their championship runs here in Detroit, so I want to bring that grit here and be that defensive player first."

After being acquired from the New York Knicks, many have wondered and still do wonder what role Noel will fill in Detroit. Noel’s media day quote helps explain where he sees himself fitting into the roster, being that primary defensive first guy, as well as serving as a veteran presence to his younger frontcourt teammates in Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.

Also, I loved Noel alluding to Ben Wallace as why he can’t wear his normal no. 3 in Detroit. This showed me that Noel understands what it’s taken to be successful as a player and a team in Detroit in the past, and how he can personally relate to this by bringing his ‘grit’ to the organization.

Studying Ben Wallace’s game as a primary rim protector and defender isn’t a bad idea for the new Piston, and I’m hoping that Noel finds a spot in the rotation to help address some of the team’s rim protection issues that caused a struggle last season.

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