Hall of Fame center Wallace rejoins Pistons in advisory role

Hall of Fame big man Ben Wallace is rejoining the Detroit Pistons as a basketball operations and team engagement advisor, the club announced Friday.

Wallace's role includes assisting Pistons head coach Dwane Casey and the front office as well as mentoring the team's players.

"Ben is a Hall of Famer and a Pistons legend who has continued to come back home and support our team and our organization," owner Tom Gores said in a statement. "He embodies everything we are building here and will be a real asset to Dwane, (general manager Troy Weaver), and the rest of our staff.

"Ben helped set the standard for what it means to be a Piston and will be a tremendous influence for our young players."

Wallace was one of the game's top defenders at the height of his career. He was a six-time NBA All-Defensive team selection and led the Association in blocks during the 2001-02 campaign. The 47-year-old shares the league's all-time record for Defensive Player of the Year awards with Dikembe Mutombo.

Wallace spent nine seasons in the Motor City, averaging 6.6 points, 11.1 boards, 2.3 blocks, and 1.4 steals over 655 appearances. He also earned four All-Star nods and was a key part of Detroit's championship run in 2003-04. The Pistons retired Wallace's No. 3 jersey in January 2016. The undrafted center remains the franchise's all-time leader in blocks.