Wallace weighs retirement

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Cleveland center Ben Wallace, a former Virginia Union star, is considering retirement following the Cavaliers' elimination from the playoffs.

Wallace, a four-time NBA defensive player of the year, said yesterday that a combination of injuries, declining production and a loss of passion for the game has him thinking about quitting. He plans to sit down with his family before deciding his next move.

"Nothing is final for me," Wallace said. "In this [Orlando] series, I felt pretty good; I had some pep in my step. But how long will that last? Sometimes I wake up and my body is hurting so bad I don't know how I'm going to get through the day. Sometimes I wake up and feel just fine."

The 14-year veteran suffered a broken leg this season and suffered from tendinitis in his knees. Wallace has one season left on a contract worth $14 million but says the money will not be a factor on whether he decides to play another year.

Wallace won an NBA title in 2004 with Detroit.