Rasheed Wallace

Rasheed Abdul Wallace (born September 17, 1974) is an American former professional basketball player who played 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). A native of Philadelphia, Wallace played college basketball at the University of North Carolina before moving on to the NBA in 1995.

"Sheed" redirects here. For other uses, see Sheed (disambiguation).

Rasheed Wallace
Wallace with the Pistons in 2008
Personal information
Born (1974-09-17) September 17, 1974
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NationalityAmerican
Listed height6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High schoolSimon Gratz
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
CollegeNorth Carolina (1993–1995)
NBA draft1995 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
Selected by the Washington Bullets
Playing career1995–2010, 2012–2013
PositionPower forward / Center
Number30, 36
Coaching career2013–present
Career history
As player:
1995–1996Washington Bullets
1996–2004Portland Trail Blazers
2004Atlanta Hawks
2004–2009Detroit Pistons
2009–2010Boston Celtics
2012–2013New York Knicks
As coach:
2013–2014Detroit Pistons (assistant)
2019–presentJordan HS
Career highlights and awards
Career NBA statistics
Points16,006 (14.4 ppg)
Rebounds7,404 (6.7 rpg)
Blocks1,460 (1.3 bpg)
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com

Originally selected by the Washington Bullets (now known as the Washington Wizards) as the fourth pick in the 1995 NBA draft, Wallace was named to the All-Rookie second team following his first season. He was then traded to the Portland Trail Blazers after the season. With Portland he was a key member of the Trail Blazers team that made it to the Western Conference Finals in 1999 and 2000, and was an NBA All-Star in 2000 and 2001. Wallace averaged a career best 19.4 points per game in 2002 for the Trail Blazers.

During the 2003–04 season Portland traded him to the Atlanta Hawks where he played one game before he was traded to the Detroit Pistons. With the Pistons, Wallace won the NBA championship in 2004, but lost the NBA Finals in the following season. Individually, Wallace was an NBA All-Star in 2006 and 2008. After the 2008–09 season, Wallace left the Pistons as a free agent and signed with the Boston Celtics, where he played until retiring in 2010. He returned to sign a one-year deal to play for the New York Knicks in 2012. On April 17, 2013, Wallace announced his second retirement.

Wallace holds the single-season record for technical fouls. In the 2000–01 season, Wallace received 41 technical fouls over a span of 80 games, about one technical foul for every two games.

Early life and education

Wallace was born and raised as the youngest of three sons of a single-mother household in the inner city neighborhood of Germantown in Philadelphia. His father Sam Tabb was a renowned local basketball player, while his mother Jackie Wallace worked in the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare to raise him and his brothers Malcolm and Muhammed.[1]

Wallace began his basketball career while attending Simon Gratz High School.[2] He was named USA Today’s High School Player of the Year after his senior season and was selected first-team All America by Basketball Times. Wallace was also a two-time Parade All-American first teamer. Despite playing just 19 minutes per game, Wallace averaged 16 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocks his senior year. In addition to basketball, Wallace played baseball and also ran track and high jumped as a teenager. Wallace was outplayed by Darnell Robinson in the 1993 McDonald's All-American Game, where his battle with Robinson caused him to get ejected from the game, but he rebounded in the Roundball Classic, scoring 30 points in a losing effort. Wallace, along with Randy Livingston and Jerry Stackhouse, were considered the top three players in the 1993 class.

College career

University of North Carolina coach Dean Smith recruited Wallace to Chapel Hill, North Carolina for his college years. Smith was a revered mentor both to Wallace and Wallace's eventual Detroit coach Larry Brown. Wallace has indicated that this North Carolina bond with Brown helped him adjust quickly to the Pistons system. During his brief time at North Carolina, Wallace had success in the national spotlight. He was named a second-team All-American by the AP his second year at UNC.

Wallace and fellow future NBA player Jerry Stackhouse helped lead the Tar Heels to the NCAA Final Four in 1995. He left North Carolina to enter the 1995 NBA draft after his sophomore season, being selected with the fourth pick overall by the Washington Bullets.

NBA playing career

Washington Bullets (1995–1996)

As a rookie with the Bullets, Wallace played in 65 games, of which he started 51 for the injured Chris Webber. Wallace was selected to the rookie team for the All-Star Weekend. Late that year, he fractured his left thumb during a game against Orlando and did not return until the following season. Wallace scored 655 points and played 1,788 minutes during his rookie season in Washington.

Portland Trail Blazers (1996–2004)

After the season, Wallace was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, along with Mitchell Butler in exchange for Rod Strickland and Harvey Grant. This move proved beneficial for both sides: Strickland averaged 17.2 ppg and 8.9 apg after the trade, helping the Bullets make the playoffs in 1997 for the first time in eight seasons, and upped those stats to 17.8 ppg and a league-leading 10.5 apg the following year.

Meanwhile, Wallace ranked third in the league in field goal percentage.[3] However, just as his season was gaining momentum, Wallace again broke his left thumb and was forced to miss the next month of the season,[4] but he returned in time for a strong performance in the first round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, which the Trail Blazers lost.

Next season, he signed a long-term contract to stay with the Trail Blazers. He began extending himself into the community more than ever, most notably with his Rasheed Wallace Foundation, but his career suffered from numerous missteps on and off the court. He set an NBA record with 38 technical fouls for the season.[5] However, he would be fifth in the league in field goal percentage.[6] The following year, he broke his own record with 40 technicals.[5] Wallace was also suspended by the NBA for seven games for threatening then-referee Tim Donaghy on an arena loading dock after a home game in 2003. That was the league's longest suspension for an offense that did not involve violence or substance abuse.[7]

Wallace was named an NBA All-Star in 2000 and 2001 and led the Trail Blazers to the Western Conference Finals in 1999 and 2000, losing to the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers, respectively. Both teams would go on to win the NBA Finals. The 2000 series against the Lakers was most noted for the underdog Blazers squandering a 15-point lead going into the fourth quarter of Game 7.

Atlanta Hawks (2004)

On February 9, 2004, Wallace was traded to the Atlanta Hawks along with Wesley Person for Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Theo Ratliff and Dan Dickau.[8] Wallace played only one game for the Hawks, scoring 20 points through three quarters. He also had six rebounds, five blocks, two assists and a steal in a close loss on the road against the New Jersey Nets, though he did not score in the fourth quarter.[9] Wallace was again traded, in a deal that saw him go from the Hawks along with guard Mike James from the Celtics to the Pistons. In turn, Detroit sent guards Chucky Atkins, Lindsey Hunter and a first-round draft pick to Boston and guard Bob Sura, center Željko Rebrača and a first-round draft pick to Atlanta. Boston also sent forward Chris Mills to Atlanta to complete the deal.[10]

Detroit Pistons (2004–2009)
Wallace in a game against the Golden State Warriors

On February 23, 2004, in his first road game with the Pistons, Wallace recorded 10 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks in a 76-66 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.[11]

After falling behind against the Indiana Pacers in the 2004 Eastern Conference Finals, he stated boldly in an interview that "We will win Game 2,"[12] a promise he helped fulfill.[13]

In Game 4 of the 2004 NBA Finals, Wallace recorded 26 points, 13 rebounds and 2 assists in a 88-80 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Detroit Pistons were up 3-1 in that occasion.[14] Wallace helped the Pistons win an unexpected NBA title, beating the heavily favored Lakers four games to one.[15] After the championship season, he paid for replica WWE World Heavyweight Championship belts to be made for each of his teammates and presented them as gifts when the 2004–05 regular season started.[16]

In the off-season following the Pistons' championship win, Wallace signed a five-year, $57 million contract to remain with Detroit.[17] He also changed the number of his jersey from #30 to #36.

Throughout the 2004–05 season, Wallace often carried the belt into his locker before games to inspire the Pistons' title defense. He had several notable moments in the playoffs. After the second-round elimination of the Pacers, Wallace played his best series of the postseason in the Eastern Conference finals against the top-seeded Miami Heat. After falling behind again, he again "guaranteed success". He shot a 50% field goal percentage and averaged 14.5 points per game in the series' seven games, and saved his hottest-shooting night to help the Pistons beat the Heat 88-82 in Game 7 on the road in Miami. Against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, Wallace was criticized for leaving Robert Horry open for the game-winning three-pointer in Game 5. Wallace's defense and clutch shooting helped the Pistons to split the series 3–3,[18] but in the final game, the Pistons lost 81–74.

In the 2005–06 season, he helped lead them to a 64–18 record, and the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs. The Pistons beat the Milwaukee Bucks, 4–1 in the first round and then beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 4–3 in the second round of the playoffs. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons played the Heat in a rematch of the previous year's Conference Finals. The Pistons lost in six games to the Miami Heat, who went on to capture their first NBA title.

On March 26, 2007, in a game against the Denver Nuggets, Wallace threw up a 60-foot shot off a stolen inbound pass with 1.5 seconds remaining and banked it in from just behind halfcourt to force overtime letting out a huge roar from what was left of the Palace crowd.[19] The Pistons went on to win the game, 113–109.[20]

On June 2, 2007, Wallace fouled out of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals after committing a foul on LeBron James and then received two technical fouls, resulting in an automatic ejection, for arguing with a referee.[21]

Prior to the 2007–08 NBA season, the Pistons would not re-sign Chris Webber, and putting Antonio McDyess as a starting power forward, put Wallace at center. On February 10, 2008, it was announced that Wallace would be replacing Boston Celtics' injured forward Kevin Garnett in the 2008 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans.[22] The decision was made by NBA commissioner David Stern. This was Wallace's fourth All-Star appearance.

In the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals, the Pistons played Garnett and the Celtics. This marked the sixth consecutive time that the Pistons had made it to this point, and five times they had gotten there with Wallace in the lineup. Still, Detroit lost a third consecutive year in the Conference Finals, losing to Boston 4–2 as Wallace contributing his poor game play along with Tayshaun Prince lead the team into demise. After the game, Wallace reportedly told reporters, without taking any questions, "It's over, man", perhaps indicating that Pistons' General Manager Joe Dumars would break up the core of the team following the defeat. He changed his number from 36 back to his original 30, perhaps to change his and the team's fortunes, but sure enough, Dumars did indeed break up the core: at the beginning of the 2008–09 season, Dumars traded longtime starting point guard and 2004 Finals MVP Chauncey Billups to Denver. It was to be Wallace's last year with the team; after the season came to a close, Wallace and the Pistons decided to part ways.

Boston Celtics (2009–2010)

Wallace signed a three-year contract with the Boston Celtics on July 8, 2009.[23] During the regular season, Wallace struggled, averaging career lows in points per game and rebounds per game. Also, he shot 28% on three-pointers and 40% from the field. The Celtics reached the NBA Finals in 2010 but lost the series to the Los Angeles Lakers four games to three. In Game 6 of the Finals, the Celtics' starting center Kendrick Perkins injured his right knee, so Wallace started Game 7. Wallace scored 11 points and was 5 of 11 from the field in the loss.[24] Wallace's agent Bill Strickland announced on June 25, 2010, that Wallace would likely retire from the NBA,[25] which was made official on August 10, following the buyout of his contract by the Celtics.[26]

New York Knicks (2012–2013)

On October 3, 2012, Wallace came out of retirement, and signed with the New York Knicks.[27]

On February 27, 2013, Wallace announced that he had a broken left foot and was expected to miss eight weeks. He was scheduled for surgery.[28] He returned for a final game on April 15, 2013, playing three minutes off the bench. On April 17, 2013, after a short return, Wallace announced his second retirement.[29]

Coaching career

Detroit Pistons

In July 2013, Wallace joined the Detroit Pistons staff as an assistant coach after signing a two-year contract with the team.[30] He worked for the Pistons for the 2013–14 season, but was not rehired to the staff of new coach Stan Van Gundy following that season.[31]

Jordan High School

On March 8, 2019, Wallace was introduced as the new boys varsity basketball head coach at Charles E. Jordan High School in Durham, North Carolina.[32]

On-court moments

Wallace was known for his intensity and unique personality, resulting in frequent confrontations with opponents and officials (often leading to technical fouls and ejections) but also moments of humor. Wallace holds the league records for most technical fouls in a season, and most ejections in a season.[33] During the 2008 Playoffs Wallace went on an expletive-laced tirade following Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics[34][35] in which he lashed out at the officiating.

Wallace popularized the phrase "Ball don't lie", used when a player on the opposing team misses a free throw after a disputed call by the referees. One notable incident occurred in a December 2, 2012, game against the Phoenix Suns. After Wallace pushed Luis Scola and received a technical foul, Goran Dragić missed the technical free throw, to which Wallace responded by saying "Ball don't lie." Wallace then received a second technical, leading to his ejection.[36] He played 1:25 before his ejection.

During the 2010 NBA Playoffs Wallace, a native of Philadelphia and Flyers fan, frequently wore hats and other articles of clothing with the Philadelphia Flyers logo during Boston Celtics press conferences and interviews. This caused a stir with fans throughout the Boston area as the Philadelphia Flyers were playing the Boston Bruins in the NHL Playoffs at the time. The resentment by Bostonians only grew[37] after the Flyers' comeback from a 0–3 game deficit to win the series 4–3. Wallace continued to wear his Flyers gear despite criticism from sports commentators and fans.

Personal life

Wallace has three children with his former wife Fatima.[38][39] He is a follower of Islam.[40] His nephew, Quadir Welton, is a professional basketball player.[41]

Wallace roots for his hometown Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) and Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), but not the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. Instead, he is a longtime fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.[38]

Activism and philanthropy

Wallace has been one of the biggest voices and helping hands in the Flint Water Crisis. He has personally delivered water door to door in Flint since the summer of 2016,[42] and wrote a letter in the Players Tribune to raise awareness.[43] He also appeared on the television show Area 21 to talk about the Crisis.[44] Wallace's efforts inspired Stephen Jackson, Rachel Nichols, Kyle Kuzma, and other celebrities to help in Flint.[45]

NBA career statistics
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship

Regular season
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1995–96 Washington 655127.5.487.329.6504.71.30.60.810.1
1996–97 Portland 625630.5.558.273.6386.81.20.81.015.1
1997–98 Portland 777737.6.533.205.6626.22.51.01.114.6
1998–99 Portland 491828.9.508.419.7324.91.21.01.112.8
1999–00 Portland 817735.1.519.160.7047.01.81.11.316.4
2000–01 Portland 777538.2.501.321.7667.82.81.21.819.2
2001–02 Portland 797937.5.469.360.7348.21.91.31.319.3
2002–03 Portland 747436.3.471.358.7357.42.10.91.018.1
2003–04 Portland 454437.2.442.341.7426.62.50.81.617.0
2003–04 Atlanta 1142.0.333.1671.0006.02.01.05.020.0
2003–04† Detroit 222130.6.431.319.7047.01.81.12.013.7
2004–05 Detroit 797934.0.440.318.6978.21.80.81.514.5
2005–06 Detroit 808034.8.430.357.7436.82.31.01.615.1
2006–07 Detroit 757232.3.423.351.7887.21.71.01.612.3
2007–08 Detroit 777630.5.432.356.7676.61.81.21.712.7
2008–09 Detroit 666332.2.419.354.7727.41.40.91.312.0
2009–10 Boston 791322.5.409.283.7684.11.01.00.99.0
2012–13 New York 21014.1.387.319.7004.00.30.60.77.0
Career 110995632.7.467.336.7216.71.81.01.314.4
All-Star 4019.3.250.100.7503.80.51.00.84.0

Playoffs
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1997 Portland 4437.0.589.400.5506.01.50.50.519.8
1998 Portland 4439.3.489.800.5004.82.80.50.514.5
1999 Portland 131336.0.514.111.7244.81.51.50.814.8
2000 Portland 161637.8.489.615.7736.41.80.91.317.9
2001 Portland 3342.7.373.364.5718.02.30.31.016.7
2002 Portland 3341.7.406.412.81312.31.70.70.725.3
2003 Portland 7737.1.454.400.7145.12.60.60.717.4
2004† Detroit 232334.9.413.243.7677.81.60.62.013.0
2005 Detroit 252533.0.439.337.7416.91.31.01.813.6
2006 Detroit 181834.9.430.405.5276.31.80.60.814.1
2007 Detroit 161635.8.437.347.8427.71.81.21.814.3
2008 Detroit 171734.4.424.320.7446.41.61.11.913.2
2009 Detroit 4430.5.367.500.0006.30.80.50.36.5
2010 Boston 24117.1.416.345.8283.00.40.40.66.1
Career 17715433.0.444.352.7176.21.50.81.313.5
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See also

References
  1. https://vault.si.com/vault/2000/05/01/rash-behavior-even-in-portlands-postseason-opener-forward-rasheed-wallace-whos-as-tempestuous-as-he-is-talented-couldnt-stop-himself-from-drawing-yet-another-technical-foul Rash Behavior Even in Portland's postseason opener, forward Rasheed Wallace, who's as tempestuous as he is talented, couldn't stop himself from drawing yet another technical foul
  2. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wallara01.html Rasheed Wallace NBA & ABA Statistics|Basketball-Reference.com
  3. "Field Goal Percentage – 1996–97". NBA.com.
  4. "Blazers' Wallace Out at Least Four Weeks". New York Times. December 27, 1996.
  5. "Pistons fine without 'Sheed, beat Clippers behind Rip's 23 points". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2007.
  6. "Regular Season Field Goals Percentage". NBA.com.
  7. Thomsen, Ian. "Despite his latest screwup, many teams still covet Rasheed Wallace". CNNSI.com.
  8. "Blazers trade Wallace to Hawks". CBC.ca. February 11, 2004. Retrieved June 15, 2013.
  9. "Frank has best start ever for NBA coach". ESPN. February 18, 2004. Retrieved June 15, 2013.
  10. "Wallace lands in Detroit in three-team deal". ESPN. February 20, 2004. Retrieved June 15, 2013.
  11. "Detroit Pistons at Philadelphia 76ers Box Score, February 23, 2004". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  12. "Once again, Rasheed guarantees Game 2 victory". USATODAY.com. May 23, 2004. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  13. "Pistons Swat Pacers, Snag Series Tie". NBA.com. May 24, 2004. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  14. "Los Angeles Lakers at Detroit Pistons Box Score, June 13, 2004". Basketball-Reference. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  15. "Pistons Send Lakers Packing, Win Third NBA Title". NBA.com. June 15, 2004. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  16. Enlund, Tom (December 4, 2004). "Former Pistons get their hands on title belts". JS Online. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  17. Lage, Larry (July 21, 2004). "Rasheed Wallace signs five-year, $57M deal with Pistons". USATODAY.com. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  18. Nance, Roscoe (June 22, 2005). "Rasheed Wallace atones for Game 5 miscue". USATODAY.com. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  19. NBA (April 2, 2007). "Rasheed Wallace's Buzzer-Beater From Beyond Halfcourt". YouTube. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
  20. "Wallace Hits Midcourt Shot to Force OT in Pistons Win". NBA.com. March 27, 2007. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  21. "Pistons' Wallace ejected from Game 6". USATODAY.com. June 3, 2007. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  22. "Pistons' Wallace replaces gimpy Garnett in All-Star Game". ESPN. February 11, 2008. Retrieved February 24, 2008.
  23. "Celtics Sign Rasheed Wallace – The Official Site of the BOSTON CELTICS".
  24. "Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles- Box Score".
  25. Benbow, Julian (June 25, 2010). "Agent believes Wallace is done". The Boston Globe. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  26. "Celtics Officially Waive Rasheed Wallace". August 11, 2010.
  27. "Knicks sign Rasheed Wallace". knicksnow.com. Archived from the original on October 6, 2012. Retrieved October 3, 2012.
  28. "Rasheed Wallace Has Broken Bone In Left Foot, Will Miss Another 8 Weeks". CBS News New York. Retrieved February 27, 2013.
  29. "Foot injury forces Knicks veteran Wallace to retire". NBA.com. April 17, 2013. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  30. "Coach Wallace – THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE DETROIT PISTONS".
  31. Ellis, Vince (May 31, 2014). "Detroit Pistons officially name assistant coaches, including John Loyer; Rasheed Wallace not retained". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  32. McLamb, Rob (March 8, 2019). "Rasheed Wallace to Lead Jordan Hoops" The Wilson Times. Retrieved March 8, 2019
  33. Tony Manfred (November 2, 2012). "Rasheed Wallace Will Make His Knicks Debut Tonight — Here's A Reminder That He Owns A Dubious NBA Record That Will Never Be Broken". www.businessinsider.com. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  34. "'Sheed fined $25K for profanity, criticizing officials". May 31, 2008.
  35. "Pistons vs. Celtics – Game Recap – May 28, 2008 – ESPN".
  36. "With 'Ball Don't Lie,' Wallace Keeps Technicals Flowing". The New York Times. December 5, 2012.
  37. "Should Rasheed Wallace Change Headgear?".
  38. "Rasheed Wallace biography". Archived from the original on December 1, 2009. Retrieved September 28, 2009.
  39. "Off the Court, Ex-Piston Rasheed Wallace Battles Ex-Wife in a Court". Retrieved August 3, 2016.
  40. "ESPN.com: Page 2 : Malcolm, and others like him".
  41. "Quadir Welton's special relationship with uncle Rasheed Wallace — Just a phone call away". Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
  42. Woodyard, Eric (July 1, 2017). "Rasheed Wallace brings more water to Flint: 'It's not stopping up here for us'". mlive. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  43. "The Truth About Flint | By Rasheed Wallace". The Players' Tribune. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
  44. Area 21: Flint Water Crisis | Inside the NBA | NBA on TNT, retrieved October 14, 2019
  45. "Lakers News: Kyle Kuzma tries to help his hometown of Flint, Michigan". Lake Show Life. September 19, 2018. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
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