How Good Was Ben Wallace REALLY?

[@jonnyarnett]

Is Ben Wallace in your list of the top 5 Defensive Players of All Time?

[@hristijandimitrovski8664]

For me honestly, Ben Wallace in hia prime was the greatest defender of all time

[@HARSAHIBSINGHTOOR]

He is definitely top 10 (4 dpoy)

[@quackmemes5410]

No but top 10 yea

[@AlroyDaForce]

Slightly doesn't make it. Also considering Perimeter Defenders: 1. Bill Russell 2. Hakeem Olajuwon 3. Michael Jordan 4. Tim Duncan 5. Gary Payton ---- Honorable mentions: Ben Wallace, Kareem, Pippen, David Robinson, Dennis Rodman

[@quackmemes5410]

His peak is for sure top 3

[@rashb3994]

What's most impressive just like Rodman is that he was considered undersized at the position, yet still so dominant. Players like this are the best example for kids coming up thinking you have to fit this or that mold. Just do what you do at your best.

[@chrisdevault5823]

I think being “undersized” actually helped some because it helped them be better perimeter defenders as well

[@nathanlawson313]

Wizards had him playing SF bringing ball up.😂 Pistons just took the (position) chains off, let him loose and said, "Attack!"

[@Rodanguirus]

When Jonny eventually gets to his Pistons all-time team, it's going to be so interesting, with these two specifically being fascinating pieces of the puzzle. Detroit lays claim to the best versions of two absolutely elite defenders, but both are offensive liabilities. I feel like, building an all-time Pistons roster, you HAVE to lean into the unique defensive talent you're given, but going up against other all-time rosters, you definitely have to be careful in building around TWO players who are likely to have single-digit scoring.

[@HenAnt]

​@@chrisdevault5823 Ben being undersize helped him anchor his weight against Shaq. Shaq became so frustrated that he started throwing elbows everytime they met at the post, Wallace wasn't a dirty defender, but he started countering this by literally locking his feet to the ground like a door wedge side to side with Shaq, just like Rodman used to do to Barkley, but unlike Barkley Shaq couldn't move nor back down Ben there as he was too Big to put him off balance 😂 Ben was also the only Center in NBA history who could cook Gaurds due to his height too.

[@Paratet]

Yep. It's easy to look at Shaq's numbers in a vacuum in that series and say that Shaq still did well, but Shaq's playoff average up to that point was 10 points higher. The only person to hold him to a lower ppg was KG. That's an absolutely insane comparison. Also noteworthy is that Shaq was so frustrated that he didn't even guard Ben, which resulted in Ben averaging 18ppg in that same final.

[@areezzy]

I followed NBA like a madman during that era. There were some incredible defenders in that era but Ben to me still stood a tier above. Opposing games would change their game plan because of his defense. To me any conversation for defensive GOATs has to include Ben

[@mymountrushmore6235]

Defensive greats never get the credit they deserve. Love Bens play

[@TheBamaPrinceable]

Big Ben! One of the biggest surprise hits in hoops history 🔥🔥🔥

[@nufaa5313]

My favorite player on that Pistons squad

[@YourFavoriteClip]

I live in Detroit. Fear the Fro is our childhood. Thank you for this vid.

[@alexanderadonyae7937]

Detroit vs Everybody🙌

[@nathanlawson313]

Yessirrr!!!

[@jerodtabb311]

Flatt 🤞💯💪

[@mjsup1]

Back when the NBA still was a man's game, Defense!

[@donshults7772]

Wallace was the best off ball defender I've ever seen. His anticipation to get off his own man into position was astounding

[@Adotch]

My favorite center all time man 😭💪🏿 FEARTHEFRO

[@G7M9W]

Same here

[@BenMalas]

Oh, boy. This brings back memories. I started playing basketball in the early 2000 at around age 16 or 17, I think; thanks to the anime Slam Dunk. I didn't know much. I can't shoot, I can't dribble properly, and didn't even know basic plays, but I can block and jump higher than my friends. Even with Sakuragi's influence, I didn't think blocking and rebounding alone can make a huge impact on games. And then came the 2004 playoffs -- I was introduced to the bloody Pistons! Ben became such an inspiration for me that I modeled my game after him. As a penniless kid, all I could afford was a fake, cheap-ass Ben Wallace jersey. But I wore it with such pride. I screen-printed a championship trophy on the upper left part of the jersey like how they did back then. And I even made my own arm band by cutting off the sleeve cuff of a red tshirt and manually sewing a number 3. After playing I would immediately wash them so that I can wear them again the next day. Good old days.

[@Clownlife432]

I often argue that Ben Wallace should be in my all time starting 5. My reasoning, I don’t need the 5 best players. I need the best team I can put together. There is only so much ball to go around and guys like Rodman and Wallace have huge impacts on the game without being ball dominant, and serving a role outside of scoring.

[@Sheng-Li248]

As a Detroiter... I was there for every moment of those great Pistons teams in the 2000's and we love Big Ben to death even to this very day. I'm so glad that he got in the Hall of Fame... now we just need to get Chauncey, Sheed and R.I.P. in there. Thank you for highlighting this man's career. 🙏🏿

[@alexanderadonyae7937]

I think Chauncey is next 🔥

[@cishansen4162]

He got in today!!🥳🥳

[@jingqi9106]

What's even more impressive is that Ben Wallace was only 6'9" and did all that shot blocking playing center with the height of a forward. Goes to show how much timing, athleticism, and desire play in becoming a great defender.

[@TheStatisfiedOne]

The best undrafted player all time. Ben was a undersized 6’9 center with no offensive game whatsoever. However his brute Athleticsm, defensive IQ and grittiness made up for every lack of his offense. Guy avg 13+rpg and 3+bpg for multiple seasons. And not forgot how many shots he altered at the rim and covered space a little bit outside the paint also. The moment Ben left the pistons they where not the same anymore defensively

[@andresdelportillo9917]

He could guard 1-5 very effectively

[@jmgonzales7701]

i thought he was 6'8?

[@jmgonzales7701]

if ben got a post game its over for everyone else.

[@TheStatisfiedOne]

@@jmgonzales7701 6’9 with shoes

[@thenterence]

On Ben Wallaace being underappreciated, the number of years it took to induct him into HOF is very telling as well. 😢

[@cadecrusader]

Thank you Jonny for talking about one of my favorite players from the 2000s!

[@mothedon3599]

I played against Ben in college and he was like Rodman on the boards and dunked everything in the paint.

[@erikjuarezdk2367]

His playing style was awesome. 6'9 with that strength, rebound ability and those blocks.. Damn he was hauting the heat, when I started watching the NBA back in 2003.

[@richardw3347]

He was like a built Dennis Rodman in a way. reminded me of Charles Oakley too. Defensive and rebound specialist.

[@norellmarksalaan9587]

​@@richardw3347but rodman can't block shots and steals the ball

[@supratrd900]

People forget him leaving Detroit in the 06-07 season hurt them defensively. That was the same year Lebron got over the hump of the Pistons being in his way. If Big Ben was still there the series would've been different.

[@alexanderadonyae7937]

Facts💯

[@tekimasilencer4154]

LeBron and his team will lose if that happens

[@MrReese]

Being a great defender really is an art and an underappreciated one at that. These elite defenders see the game differently and I can appreciate and admire that.

[@isojoe125]

who asked?

[@MrReese]

@@isojoe125 your mama, and she really liked the answer.

[@jasonderrick-i5x]

@@MrReese wow your so cool saying your mama in 2024. no one asked just admit it.

[@MrReese]

@@jasonderrick-i5x good job you made a second account, you are a wizard. and sad.

[@jasonderrick-i5x]

@@MrReese like to see your proof kiddo

[@jamesjohnson944]

Ben Wallace made me fall in love with basketball. I wasn’t really skilled when I first started playing but I loved rebounding and defending and watching him play was everything for me.

[@TheeKing7]

PLEASE MAKE MORE VIDEOS ABOUT THE 2004 PISTONS! As a Detroit born basketball fan who watched them dominate that year, it makes me extremely happy to see people show them love. I know I'm biased but they aren't talked about enough for how good they were.

[@alexanderadonyae7937]

Another great player from outside the 96 draft class 🔥 (Undrafted) Big Ben was a monster in the 2000's

[@chubbibots]

I once averaged about 11 boards and 4 blocks a game in a league I joined because of him!

[@markjackson6431]

Ben Wallace is definitely under appreciated but Bob Lanier is the most underrated and under appreciated ever. no one talks about him and we should

[@codyeble0713]

My cavs sucked at that time and and even tho they were rivals that pacers and pistons teams were so fun to watch.. also when Ben came to my cavs his first game he forced a 5 sec violation on an inbound pressuring the pg.. hes one of my favorites

[@brandenbyrd5239]

One of my all-time favs, especially for an undersized center. What Dan Issel did in that position offensively, Ben did ten times that defensively.

[@evettewloch1202]

Thanks Johnny these videos are my favorite, and I am always looking forward to more. There are so many great players that don't get talked about like bob pettit, jerry lucas, nate tiny archibald, Bob mcadoo, and Wes unseld and I can't wait for videos on how good are they really.

[@UncleGingersChronicles]

How would he know he never watched them play a single game. Google and highlights doesn't make one an expert on professional basketball. 😏

[@evettewloch1202]

​@AveryBlackman Johnny has talked about players like Maurice stokes and George mikan before going into great detail and his videos are always informative.

[@jeremycrumpton7881]

@@UncleGingersChronicles I really hope the 😏 is acknowledgment that you really do know wassup with Johnny. Cuz I was bout to 🔥🔥🔥 😂

[@UncleGingersChronicles]

​@@jeremycrumpton7881it's not and you don't have nothing for me as far as basketball or anything thing else. 😂

[@jeremycrumpton7881]

@@UncleGingersChronicles 🤣 o wow then you’re just new here. No worries buddy. Johnny has explained thoroughly why he knows eras he was nothing more than a tingle in some balls for. While I may not know more bball history than you, I guarantee he knows more than us both. So sit your uppity ass down.

[@markjackson6431]

my favorite player of all time. he’s the reason why i’m always a defensive center in 2k My Career. excellent video

[@nufaa5313]

Great video

[@isiahbraun8704]

My favorite underrated player

[@randymayo7463]

I like these type of basketball stories it's so inspirational

[@WolverineIncognito]

Big Ben meant a lot to this city. Thanks for the video!

[@calebgiametta8326]

Would love to see the video about the defensive records the pistons broke!

[@najay764]

nice video man, ben wallace was always one of my most favorite players when i first got into basketball, he plays the game with heart which is what makes him so inspirational, not alot of youtubers wanna talk about a guy that goes out their and does the hardwork, nice video man.

[@GloriousKev]

Ben Wallace was nasty. Imagine someone with the defense IQ of Draymond that was also a great under sized shot blocking center. Big Ben is one of my favorite players from the 2000s.

[@michaelbarnes2126]

So underrated, to be 6’8 and lockdown the paint like he did is nothing short of incredible.

[@nathanlawson313]

Spectacular athlete! Ben is the BEST defender I've ever seen! He DOMINATED most games, start to finish, without hardly scoring.

[@jmed03]

I didn't really start following hoops until about 2006, so I remember Ben Wallace being good but I never knew he was THAT good! Great video Johnny, keep em coming!

[@dariusbrooks21]

Big Ben is super underrated amongst the general basketball community. But here in Detroit Ben is well loved and appreciated. He's one of the Piston's greats in our eyes.

[@masterrserch3971]

One of my all time favorite players, even as a knicks fan. One of my favorite authentic jerseys in my collection (even if it doesn't fit me anymore 😅), thr royal blue road jersey.... And my usual target center in any all time fantasy draft in 2K lol

[@TheEpicShadowGaming]

My uncle had a Ben Wallace 04 Jersey and I kinda just like took it a few years back and never gave it back. But he’s never asked anyone for it so it’s mine now

[@alex4833]

Great video, Jonny! Ben Wallace was a great player. I remember the 2004 Finals and being amazed at both the Pistons' defense and how they beat the Lakers in 5. Wallace reminds me of what I read about Wes Unseld. Both are smaller centers (6'9 for Wallace, 6'7 for Unseld) with superb defensive skills and solid rebounding. He definitely is one of the best defensive players ever alongside Russell and Olajuwon. Superb video again :). Have a great Saturday :). Take care.

[@austin5801]

The 03-04 season is when I first really started getting into NBA. To this day, Big Ben is the best low post defender I’ve ever seen. That starting lineup of that Pistons squad really deserves their own video. I would go as far as to say that they would match up nicely with any starting 5 in history.

[@i_fuze_hostages6]

Johnny this timing was perfect I was just thinking about Ben so much the other day that I made a 2k build with his shades 😂

[@hernanbenitez2828]

Been waiting for this one. One of my favorites growing up

[@DJThrillerKN]

As much as I love Chauncy and his leadership and class that he brought to the team, this was Ben Wallace’s team. He was the heart and soul that brought that grid and grind back to Detroit since the bad boys days. And adding some offense of help just made the image even better. Once he left the whole dynamic of the team changed. They were still good defensively and a top 2 team in the East but it wasn’t the same as it was during their true championship era (04-06)

[@TheShadow84]

People don't realize Ben Wallace was the Only All Star & All NBA player on the team when they won in 04 & lost to the Spurs in 7 in the finals the next year. I'm aware Rasheed was an All Star in Portland. However, in 04 & 05 Ben Wallace was the only All Star. Hamilton & Billups would become All Stars starting in 06 with Rasheed getting recognition again in 06 as well. Also, Ben was 7th in MVP voting. 3 top 10 MVP finishes in total. For context imagine Draymond as the only All Star & All NBA player on the Warriors when they won their 1st ring & Steph & Klay didn't become All Stars until years later. Ben Wallace was All NBA & DPOY before Billups, Prince, Hamilton, & Sheed became Pistons. He also had 2 of his 4 DPOYS before Sheed became a Piston. This was indeed Ben's team, hence why he is the 1st inducted into the Hall of Fame & only one as of today.

[@paulz8898]

I love all your videos keep up the great work however this one really hits the home from Michigan grew up watching the bad boys and getting Ben Wallace was what we needed he was the epitome of what Detroit basketball is without Big Ben there's no way we win that championship

[@jondoeami]

Very insightful video! The prime Pistons and Ben Wallace were indeed a force to be reckoned with. Back when defence mattered.

[@johncraig4820]

Ben Wallace is on my coolest 5 with Clyde, Wilt, AI, and Dr J. Style and a game to back it up.

[@lamarlatimore7802]

I’ve seriously “Ben” Waiting for this. 🥁

[@benhenderson8952]

Snubbed top 75 - Undrafted player into Champion - tied most DPOY in the league

[@august6281]

agree his career compare to the _"current"_ careers of Dame and Ad, both needs to step down for Ben and Dwight.

[@GoldenChild27]

Best defensive teams list sounds great!

[@politicalatheist5861]

Honestly… watching NBA since the 80s, this guy is right up there maybe even better defensively than Rodman. Big Ben was feared in the paint. It was a pleasure seeing that great teamwork the pistons had for those few years.

[@oldludwigdrummer6844]

Ben Wallace was a beast! Great video Jonny and excellent take on the lack of importance the league has on defense. I personally think that aggressive defense and rebounding leads to great offensive opportunities. I think it was Pat Reilly who said "no rebounds, no rings" or something like that. Magic Johnson talks about in his book (Magics Touch) about the importance of defense and rebounding that contributed to showtime.

[@dawkinsbeagle]

"I could probably make an entire video about the defensive records they broke." You should!

[@vernonleewarren280]

Ben Wallace undoubtedly a all-time great! Thank you for showing him some love. Draymond Green actually thinks that he's a better defender than Wallace. I don't think so

[@izayahsummers9211]

He's probably one of my favorite players, good choice to analyze, the man needs his flowers

[@doublemintmaple]

How good? Ben was one of those players you could never forget seeing. "Dominant" is definitely the right word

[@GoldenChild27]

Best defensive players of all time is a great video idea

[@clevisbernier8973]

My favorite Ben Wallace Stat: Ben Wallace with a fro +1 blocks Ben Wallace with cornrows +1 steals

[@JadenSmithEyes]

Big Ben is my alltime favorite center. Dude was literally built different. When the bell chimes... FearTheFro

[@ntnchcn]

I am a 65 year old woman in New Mexico. After watching him play for the pistons the first time I was hooked. My favorite player of all time. Very humble and and unselfish player.

[@berrypoundz7879]

Ben Is my number 1 all time defender I have a Ben Wallace 1970s hardwood classic pistons jersey on my drivers seat

[@RyanAC754]

Big Ben is one of my all time favourites being solely on the court to defend and intimidate

[@angeladelo254]

The greatest undraft on NBA history thank you as always to talk underrated basketball players ⛹🏾 🏀

[@futureDreamer4]

When I first started playing basketball seriously in the 7th grade I couldn't shoot,dribble,lay the ball, or pass the ball. But when I watched how Big Ben dominated the game without having any offensive abilities. I started using my speed,jumping ability, and work ethic to compete against guys who were better than me. People started picking me up because they didn't want me to guard them😂 So shout-out to one of the greatest big men of all time. My offensive skills did improved drastically over the years so I'm no longer a scrub offense😂

[@i_fuze_hostages6]

I still can’t dribble for shit 😂 but I can shoot finish and I love defense

[@futureDreamer4]

@@i_fuze_hostages6 just run off curls like Rip Hamilton bro 🤣🤣🤣

[@cain948]

Ben Wallace should have 5 DPOY but the NBA gave it to Ron Artest. He should have been the only NBA player to have 5 DPOY award.

[@Antreand]

Ben Wallace is basically heavy rock music in a basketball court

[@АлексейСоколов-д8э]

Got goosebumps watching Big Ben in his prime, really willing to see a video about a guy with probably the coolest nickname AK47. IMHO one of the most underrated players in his era, who brought Utah without Malone and Stockton to the conference finals against prime spurs. AK47 was a defensive machine. Just imagine being PF in that era and covering prime Duncan, Garnet, Melo etc in nearly every game. Dude made 5 by 5 three times (only Hakeem made more) and had over 20 games where he lacked like 1 block or 2 steals. Lead the league in blocks. It was hard to see him fade in last years on the bench, but in his prime ak47 could truly become one of the most multipurpose players to do everything on the court

[@chrisdevault5823]

Billups always gets credit for being the best player on the championship team but I’ll always argue that on a team that was predicated on defense and climbed to the peak Ben Wallace deserved that moniker for that team.

[@JLHill91]

I was a 7th grader when the Pistons won 04 championship. Big Ben is a God in Michigan. And by far my favorite player of all time.

[@idiverse3457]

Ben Wallace is the greatest defender I've ever seen. The man stood at 6"7 and terrorized the painted area

[@idiverse3457]

Since I started watching basketball, Ben Wallace is not just one of the greatest defensive players I've ever seen. But one of the greatest centers that i've ever watched played basketball.

[@officialconch]

My 2nd favorite player ever

[@t.j.mitchell459]

Absolutely one of the greatest defensive players of all time if not the greatest

[@seany1508hh]

Favorite player all time, i used to do season mode in 2K and player lock on Ben and just play defence and dunk

[@FreshPlacide]

Ben Wallace is the reason why I wore number 3.

[@oldmanthayer]

He worked hard when he came in the NBA and became an amazing player for us in Detroit. Old school. No hype pre-draft and just outworked most players in the league at that time.

[@ironpunchmb]

He’s one of the best athletes regardless of sport, simply freak, animal !!!

[@bryanpasquale3954]

by far the greatest defensive player in the history of the nba

[@Enjoyinglife82420]

The true definition getting it out the mud. Well deserved HOFer!

[@Eyevan119]

I'm a Lil bias cuz I'm from the D but Ben was the man

[@pasigiri]

7:28 Yes. Please make that video. Big Ben was like a linebacker playing basketball. Dude was built Ford tough. You know you're strong when you block Shaq's dunk attempt AND put him on his behind.

[@cheesesticks3]

He made defense look FUN

[@superiorgaming9399]

Ben Wallace is arguably the most underrated player in NBA history. He's tied for the most DPOYs in a career and was the BEST defender of all-time imo.

[@notthatrisk]

Still believe to this days, he's my FMVP in 2004. it wasn't offense who won the Pistons a championship, but their excelent defense, and this beast was the anchor of their defense.

[@elreiec1]

I’ll always have a soft spot for Big Ben. My first 2K game was 2K5 when he was the featured cover athlete.

[@kiLLjoy24CALI]

If he accomplished all those accolades during the "big men" era, imagine what damage he could've done in today's NBA.

[@explosivehotdogs]

I think he would have been much more appreciated with a shooting coach who could get him over that free throw issue and allow him to be an extra scorer outside the paint thereby being able to draw attention away from the basket. But as is he is one of my fave players of all time and his accolades are MUCH deserved !

[@IknowtheLord]

...among the top elite defenders in NBA history 👍💪

[@hermanreid]

Ben was the right man, at the right time. Detroit embraces the underdog, blue-collar athlete and Ben epitomized that. The Palace was rocking -- leading the league in attendance with reasonable ticket prices pulling in the Pistons peers, Gen X. If you do a video on the Pistons defense alone, look into their guru Herb Brown, Larry's brother, who coached that D.

[@SirBackPack]

Before I watch the video, I tell people I believe Big Ben was the greatest defensive player ever. He should have won DPOY 5 times in a row but the league voted for Artest even though Ben outclassed him in every stat defensively. Ben was the truth

[@tonybrodeur4766]

THANK YOU! I've always said the Larry Brown pistons were the best defensive team in the last 40 yearss!

[@raizarslaxterhaha]

To me is the best all time weak side defender of all time, up there with KG and Hakeem. It was a Monster, changing games just by not knowing where he was coming to help the defender. Strong, fast, he was also the best pick and roll coverage big in the league... To me the most complete inside defender all time

[@samwwade]

I believe he should have been on the NBA 75th anniversary team. While it's unclear if his style would be effective in today's NBA, and he had a short peak, he was the best defensive player during the NBA's most defensive era. That should count for something. (He also should have won 5 DPOY awards, but Metta World Peace got gifted an award because of voter fatigue.)

[@bballanalytics1552]

Ben Wallace is the only player EVER to average more Blocks than Turnovers

[@hakeemolajuwon4352]

Olajuwon is the only player to record 200+ blocks and 200+ steals in the same season. He averaged 4 blocks and 2 steals in 4 different seasons

[@clevisbernier8973]

PSHH Wilt Chamberlain recorded 30 blocks in a game.@@hakeemolajuwon4352

[@kevinhouse4376]

Please remember that the NBA didn't start recording blocks until the 1973-74 season.

[@KostiKeister]

Wallace hardly ever touched the ball tbf.

[@hakeemolajuwon4352]

@@KostiKeister all that stat proves is, all those other centers that were better defensively, were also called upon offensively so they naturally had more turnovers

[@rosumin38]

Suprised you haven't covered the fro before now. :D One of the more unique star players in NBA history and arguably the last defensive superstar the leauge has had.

[@reynoldsfab4_yt452]

Pumping out these vids like there nothing!

[@mrbean3470]

He could play on my team any day, I'll tell you that much.