Boston Celtics Rasheed Wallace calling quits after 2010 NBA Playoffs
Is Rasheed Wallace really calling quits? Head coach of Boston Celtics, Doc Rivers says this could very well be Rasheed’s last game of his career. After giving one of the most emotional performance’s of his career in 2010 NBA playoffs against the L.A Lakers, one could see; Wallace gave his best. Dedicating every second to the game, despite the fact he kept getting continuous cramps and strains, Celtics hero did not give up on missing a chance to stay on the court. The excruciating game ended in the favour of the L.A. Lakers by just one game, tipping the underdogs off.
2010’s Finals were ranked as one of the most watched in NBA’s history, 30 million and above viewers in United States alone setting a new record. The L.A. Lakers and Boston Celtics took basketball to a whole new level. The teams met after 2 years once again in the finals, reviving their age-old rivalry. Lakers were devoured by Celtics in 08’ but Lakers came hard on the underdogs this year.
Wallace starting his career in 95’ getting drafted as 3rd pick, by the Washington Bullets but made his way through with real determination. Although after a year he was traded to Portland Trail Blazers, and took no time in becoming their key player. He took the striving team to a whole new level by playing for the franchise for 8 consecutive years; taking the team to the Conference finals twice in 1999 and 2000.
Wallace was traded to the Atlanta Hawks. It did not work out as he ended up, playing only 1 game for Atlanta, which they lost to the New Jersey Nets.
However, Detroit Pistons dreams became reality when they acquired Rasheed Wallace, who took them straight to the 2004 playoff finals, eliminating the Lakers by 4-1. Wallace had many notable moments in the playoffs especially after the team eliminated the Pacers in the second-round. Wallace threw from 60-feet from a stolen pass from behind the half-court line making it in, beating the buzzer; causing a huge growl from the supporters.
In 2006, Wallace helped Pistons get into the top seed in the Eastern Conference. It seemed like Pistons were going to take the championship again, eradicating Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, Cleveland Cavaliers in the second. Pistons were coming strong until the Final where Miami Heat obliterated Pistons in all six games, taking the cup home for the first time.
The rumours of Wallace joining Boston Celtics came true on 10th February 2008. He was going to be kept as a replacement for the injured forward Kevin Garnett, by the end of the year.
With Wallace being in the lineup Detroit pistons made it to the Finals for the sixth consecutive time, and also lost for the third time in a row. But Rasheed’s hard work was greatly appreciated for his overall performance throughout his career. Wallace left at the end of the season, entering into a three-year contract with Boston Celtics.
However despite efforts made by Rasheed throughout his entire career, the determined player suffered from frequent missteps. Wallace set the highest record with 40 technical fouls, getting suspended for 7 games for his hostile attitude towards the referee. Regardless of the fact Rasheed Wallace’s gave a fine performance in the Finals this year, it is believed that the diligent player has maxed out his career. Experts criticize the fact that his emotions get the best of him, which has resulted into him making many bad decisions in previous games.
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