Assessing Ben Wallace

by Scotter on Jan 24, 2007 9:21 PM CST

A key argument for starting P.J. Brown was that Ben Wallace needed a tall big man playing next to him to be effective. That same argument is made in support of aquiring Gasol or Garnett. I was looking at Wallace's stats on 82games.com to comment in another diary and I was amazed at the magnitude of Wallace's on court/off court numbers. Wallace has been on the court for 2/3 of the time for the Bulls. In that other 1/3 the Bulls have been dramatically better on both offense and defense! On/Off numbers can be deceiving, but this is offset by the sample size and the magnitude of the numbers. These numbers also feel consistent with what I've seen watching all of the Bulls games this season.

The Bulls score 103.9 points/100 possessions with Wallace. They score 109.9 without Wallace. The Bulls give up 102.5 points/100 possessions with Wallace on the floor. They give up 96.9 points without Wallace. That means they're 11.7 points better in point differential without Wallace! Wallace's impact on rebounding also has been negligible.
http://www.82games.com/0607/06CHI14D.HTM

I was never a huge fan of the Wallace signing, but I thought Wallace would have a positive effect at least defensively. I also thought Wallace's ability to avoid fouls, pass, and avoid turnovers would have a slightly positive effect on offense. Detroit was better both offensively and defensively with Wallace on the floor last year, which mitigated some of my doubts. I don't believe another big next to him would improve Wallace's play that much. Instead, Wallace's numbers are consistent with the general decline in his game over the last few years. When the Bulls have played their best this season, Wallace has been on the bench. Paxson gambled on Wallace with good reason and lost.

I think Wallace at this point would be better coming off the bench for the Bulls. Wallace's well documented insecurities mainfested in headband gate probably prevent this, but if the Bulls can have their best scorer come off the bench why couldn't Wallace come off the bench? Skiles has dealt with Wallace respectfully and gingerly so far. That hasn't resulted in much. He might as well bench him and piss him off. It's risky and probably won't due much for Skiles' reputation, but it might help the Bulls play better.

(I like the lineup the Bulls used against the Spurs with Wallace out - Hinrich, Gordon, Deng, Thomas, and Brown then bring Wallace, Noc, and Thabo off the bench)

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come on.

It's halfway through his first season here. They're not going to bench him, whether it helps the team or not.

Limiting his minutes under the 'guise of 'saving for the playoffs' may be a better bet.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2007 9:29 PM CST reply actions

It's not a great option,

but K.C. Johnson has already commented on how members of the core complain tha they would have been benched if they defied Skiles by refusing to front the post. I am usually not as reactionary as this. But the point differential numbers are flat out awful.

by Scotter on Jan 24, 2007 10:20 PM CST up reply actions

Sam Smith is worried about Ben too

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-070124asksamsmith,1,801724.story? page=2&coll=cs-home-headlines

But Ben Wallace has remained a major disappointment and I think we're coming close to another headband type episode. The guy's history is to act out when things don't go well. The Pistons babysat him way more than anyone here knew was necessary. You'd think paying him so much was the ultimate sign of respect. But he's clearly a headcase who needs more support. Perhaps if the Bulls can get Gasol, that will take some pressure off Wallace. But he's been a major disappointment and I feel badly for the Bulls for going out and putting out the red carpet for the guy and forgetting their poop bag for all the mess he's been creating. I feel badly myself for supporting the Bulls' decision and hope Wallace has enough pride and professionalism to decide to live up to his obligations come playoff time.

by Big D on Jan 24, 2007 9:33 PM CST reply actions

glad you linked that

I saw that earlier today. Man, Sam's been out gunnin against Ben since headband-contra.

Can't say he's been wrong thus far, but I feel the same way he does: there's nothing you can do but just hope he plays better. ::shrug::

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 24, 2007 9:57 PM CST up reply actions

in defense of ben

let's look at his stats comprable to Tyson's last year (im not about to go do that...class in a few hours); because Wallace is essentialy the replacement of tyson for $5M less 2 2nd rounders and whatever PJ nets us.

Secondly Getting big ben crippled a division rival

When we are in the playoffs (as unlike a previous commentator there is no doubt in my mind we will make them) having an expereinced veteran, who works best from a slowed down game, will help.

by milesgmsu on Jan 24, 2007 11:37 PM CST reply actions

That's logical

Wallace's PER has been slightly higher than Chandler this year, while playing more. So even with Wallace playing awful they at least broke even in terms of individual performance. However, look at Chandler's on court/off court numbers for last year.
http://www.82games.com/0506/05CHI17D.HTM
Chandler had a positive effect on offense and defense for a 4.5 postive impact on point diffential during a down year for Chandler.

We can't redo the past and no one could have realistically expected Wallace to be this disruptive to the Bulls' offense and defense. I was focused on what Skiles should do about it and on highlighting the magnitude of Wallace's negative impact right now.

by Scotter on Jan 25, 2007 12:44 AM CST up reply actions

It's strange...

But Wallace is really two-faced on the court sometimes. If he's 'fired-up,' or being pushed around on box-outs, he gets this energy that is amazing. He flies all over the place grabbing boards and making blocks as if his life depended on it. And then other times...he's just going through the motions...almost disinterested...

I think Skiles has a big problem with this, and is part of the reason he's sitting fourth quarters.

If Wallace can have that energy every second he's on the court, I think we can have a great team. But if he doesn't...I don't know. That means somebody else has to step up, and that's been a tough assignment this year.

Ben Gordon = Trade Bait

by raalickeller on Jan 25, 2007 8:51 AM CST reply actions