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Cleveland Cavaliers: 15 NBA stars you forgot played for the Cavs

By Tony Pesta

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 4: Ben Wallace #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 4: Ben Wallace #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on February 4, 2009 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

6. Ben Wallace (2008-09)

Most fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers remember Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak, but few remember that Ben Wallace was part of the same deal that brought those two players to the Land.

Before joining the Cavaliers, Wallace had built up a reputation as a historically great rim protector. The towering big man led the league in blocks early in his career and would finish with a record-tying four Defensive Player of the Year Awards.

Wallace was the definition of a lockdown defender. He was an immovable object who wasn’t afraid to contest anyone. His gritty attitude helped the Detroit Pistons dethrone the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2004 NBA Finals.

The Cavaliers were fresh off a trip to the NBA Finals and desperate to recover from a devastating four-game sweep delivered by the San Antonio Spurs. This midseason trade to acquire Wallace and others was an attempt to surround LeBron James with more talent.

Wallace’s veteran presence as a quality rim protector sounded good on paper. But, at 33 years of age, his best days were already behind him by the time he reached Cleveland.

The former champion provided consistency on the defensive end but was not what the Cavaliers needed to get over the hump. The team had few scorers outside of James and Wallace’s 3.3 points per game didn’t help this issue.

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