Ben Wallace: defensive-minded, offensively-challenged rebounding fool

Since his trade from the Pistons to the Bulls this off-season, Ben Wallace has expressed an interest in increasing his role on the offensive end of the court. Wallace is a defensive-minded, offensively-challenged rebounding fool. Having played in the Central Division, one would expect that Wallace is familiar with the Bulls perimeter-oriented style of play. A team that relies heavily on young stars Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon to generate offense is not looking for a career 6.6 ppg scorer to carry the load on offense. Wallace will not appear at the top of any team’s scouting report; however, he can be an efficient scorer for Scott Skiles. Expect Wallace to manufacture his offense from offensive rebounds and dump-offs from Hinrich, Gordon, and Chris Duhon, similar to his role in Detroit.

The Bulls will find trouble if they filter their half-court offense through Wallace, who is limited in his one-on-one post moves and is an average passer. Scott Skiles should utilize Wallace on the weak-side of the half-court offense. This allows Wallace to play to his strengths by gaining an advantage in the lane and attacking the glass, creating extra possessions for the Bulls. Adding Ben Wallace to the roster should only enhance the Bulls league-leading defense and boost the team’s rebounding prowess. While Wallace is a capable scorer near the basket, for him to be anything more than the fourth option on offense would be a disservice to Hinrich, Gordon, and Luol Deng. Wallace will relieve some of the defensive pressure off these young guards, but don’t look for him to serve as the go-to guy when the Bulls need a bucket.

Hopes are high in Chicago as Scott Skiles and the young Bulls expect to challenge for Eastern Conference supremacy. StubHub is your destination for all your Chicago Bulls tickets.