GRAND RAPIDS - Just having Ben Wallace around already appears good for the Grand Rapids Drive.

The longtime Detroit Pistons great, who has been a part of the G League team since March, was formally introduced as a part-owner Wednesday at the Ray Kroc Center in Grand Rapids.

He's already made an impact, according to president Steve Jbara.

"Even since then (in March), we're getting a lot more meetings with sponsors and we're getting ticket interest just because he's bringing another level of credibility," Jbara said. "They see him getting involved and they feel they're good to spend the money, to invest in the team."

Wallace is "the largest minority owner" in the team, Jabara said.

The 43-year-old Wallace, a four-time defensive player of the year whose No. 3 uniform number is retired by the Piston, has spoken with season-ticket holders, met with community groups and even shot baskets a few times with fans. He gives the Drive valuable exposure.

The tradeoff is the Drive will help Wallace learn how the business side of basketball is run.

"I want to learn the business side of basketball and this is a great opportunity for me," Wallace said.

He has also learned about Grand Rapids.

"There were a lot of stories about Grand Rapids when I was playing," Wallace said. "But to be honest, to see Grand Rapids personally, those stories really can't compare to what I see. So far ... everyone has been great."

Wallace will also help the players, many of whom were undrafted like Wallace.

"That's something that really relates to our players," Jbara said. "They're all trying to get to the next level ... so it's a unique collaboration that we have with him, so we're really excited to have him."