Former Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace is now a minorty owner of the G-League Grand Rapids Drive, the team announced. Wallace, who was undrafted, joins the franchise as not only an investor but a team advisor.
OFFICIAL: @DetroitPistons legend and @NBA champ Ben Wallace is now a minority investor and advisor with the Drive! #WeAreGR pic.twitter.com/V0e4h3geEg
— Grand Rapids Drive (@grdrive) May 16, 2018
Wallace was first in talks to join the franchise in March, but was formally announced as part owner May 16th. The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year was undrafted, a similarity to many of the players on the Drive. Grand Rapids President Steve Jbara says to mlive.com that Wallace being undrafted makes for a “unique collaboration”.
“That’s something that really relates to our players,” Jbara said. “They’re all trying to get to the next level … so it’s a unique collaboration that we have with him, so we’re really excited to have him.”
For the 43-year old Wallace, who had his number retired by the Detroit Pistons, he gains valuable NBA business experience. “I want to learn the business side of basketball and this is a great opportunity for me,” Wallace said.
