Empty the Bench

Maybe Rasheed Wallace hasn’t punched his one-way ticket out of Detroit after all.

While many NBA observers (including yours truly) have predicted the tempermental big man wouldn’t return to play out the last year of his contract next season for the Detroit Pistons, Wallace surprised some by being the only member of the Pistons in attendance at today’s press conference announcing Michael Curry as the new head coach.

Despite tons of speculation on who, or how many, Pistons will be traded this offseason, one current player showed up at new coach Michael Curry’s introductory news conference: Rasheed Wallace.

Wallace was the only known player in attendance at the Pistons practice facility, where the news conference took place.

Rasheed Wallace Photo Credit: Icon SMI

Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean anything more than Rasheed Wallace may simply agree with Curry’s promotion from assistant to head coach and wanted to show his support; don’t forget these two used to play together in Washington before meeting back up in Detroit. (It also might be a subtle jab at his former coach, Flip Saunders, whom despite cordial appearances on the surface this past season he never really seemed to see eye-to-eye with.)

If GM Joe Dumars has the right deal on the table, one that involves Wallace and one that he feels will improve the team overall, he won’t hesitate to pull the trigger on it just because Wallace showed up at the presser today. He’s not hosting a fire sale on Wallace and the rest of the Pistons’ roster either though.

In other words, maybe Wallace’s appearance today is meaningful, maybe it’s not. True to ‘Sheed’s quirky personality, however, it’s certainly interesting.

Related: Rasheed Wallace, Detroit Pistons

Possibly Related Content:

1. ‘Sheed Cooler than a Polar Bear’s Toenails


2. Just Another ‘Sheed Wallace Rule?


3. Thanks for the Memories, ‘Sheed, But It’s Time to Move On – Five Trade Ideas Involving the Detroit Pistons and Rasheed Wallace


4. Rasheed Wallace! Rasheed Wallace!


5. Dropping Nicknames with Rasheed “Sheed” Wallace, aka “Roscoe” aka “Dirty 30″