Pistons' Ben Wallace recovering after emergency appendectomy

[Caliente]

02:32 PM CDT on Thursday, August 26, 2004

Associated Press

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace had an emergency appendectomy and was recovering Thursday.

Wallace underwent surgery Wednesday night for acute appendicitis at Virginia Commonwealth University Hospital in Richmond, Va. Team doctor Ben Paolucci said Wallace is doing well and is expected to be discharged Friday or Saturday.

The 6-foot-9 center for the NBA champions is expected to return for the beginning of training camp on Oct. 4.

Wallace is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He was on the All-NBA second team and Eastern Conference All-Star team for a second straight time last season. Wallace averaged 10.3 points, 14.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks for the Pistons in the postseason.