Mr. Blue Collar

Ben WallacePhoto by Pier Nicola D’Amico
Originally published in SLAM 103

Ben Wallace’s stare, along with his work ethic, hustle and tenacious defense, once sent chills throughout the League and caused opponents to think twice before coming in the lane. Undrafted out of college, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year probably never saw himself kicking it in a whip that nice. Playing D pays off, kids. — Adam Fleischer