Ben Wallace or Dennis Rodman?

[gatekeeper]

So, I was listening to some talk radio and heard a great debate about who was better, Ben Wallace or Dennis Rodman? (both in their prime Piston years)

For Dennis, he guarded guys like Jordan, Bird, Magic, and played against some world class centers like Ewing, Kareem, Olajuwon, David Robinson.

He could also guard small forwards like Dominique Wilkins.

BUT, he wasn't a starter, basically a role player, and had nagging injuries throughout his career.

For Ben, he plays against Shaq and the centers of today, but can also guard LeBron and Kobe if need be. Ben was the cornerstone of the current Pistons team and has been a starter since day 1.

I think Dennis was a better on the ball defender whereas Ben is the best help defender and shot changer.

I'm gonna have to go with Ben Wallace due to his position as a starter and he's a guy you can build your team around where Dennis is more of an additional piece and played only limited minutes, though I'm sure he could go all 48 in his prime

[stephenvegas]

I also have to go with Ben Wallace. Dennis Rodman was the best rebounder of the 1990s and an awesome defensive player. Although "the Worm" played with future Hall of Famers such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Isiah Thomas, and Joe Dumars, he definitely was an important contributor to the championship teams he played on. But Ben Wallace is an even better all around defensive player and indeed more of a focal point for the recent great Detroit Pistons teams.

Plus there were times when mental lapses by Rodman actually hurt his team. For instance, during the 1994 playoffs in the opening game against the Houston Rockets, I still remember watching Rodman throwing a tantrum about something toward the end of the game and to the extent that he even refused to participate in the team huddle before the game's final play. As a result, Rodman did not know the play and his man, Robert Horry, was left wide open to hit the game winning shot and the Spurs went on to win the series. In fact, the Spurs were eventually so eager to get rid of Rodman that they traded him to the Chicago Bulls for Will Perdue.

[gwffantrav]

I think Mr. Vegas summed it up nicely.

[gatekeeper]

Great points SV, but remember it's the Piston version of Rodman being compared to Ben Wallace, not the guy who painted up his hair, headbutted refs, and kicked photographers.

[swarm]

I voted for Ben. He is the heart of the team while Rodman was never even close to being that for the Pistons.

[offspring515]

I think Rodman's career as a WHOLE would push things in his favor...so far. I think if Ben keeps it up for 3 or 4 years he will surely eclipse Rodman.

But as for the piston vs. piston comparision, ben wins in a landslide.

[GalactiKing]

Wallace is Rodman to the next level without all the annoyance.

[fredkc6cfb]

Big Ben is an awesome athlete.

What I recall about Rodman is that when he'd show up on a team, he would make an impact initially and then just start acting bizarre and having psychotic episodes, hurting the team. The he'd be traded.

That said, I'm not a big NBA fan.

[GrumpyBigBee]

Rodman rules!