AGREEMENT: Detroit Pistons seek Champion Champion to be their coach
The Detroit Pistons are searching for a new coach amidst significant changes. Another Pistons legend believes Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer should be considered. John Salley has proposed these former players for the position, igniting a discussion among fans. Thomas and Laimbeer offer extensive coaching experience and a strong connection to Detroit, which could appeal to the fan base. Their hiring could enhance team morale and potentially increase ticket sales, making them compelling choices for the Pistons during this transitional phase.
Four-Time Champion Endorses Pistons’ Legends For Coaching Job
Detroit Pistons Coach Isiah Thomas?
Playing Career
Isiah Thomas became a Pistons legend despite initially having doubts about joining the team. After leaving Indiana University and becoming eligible for the 1981 NBA draft, Thomas hoped to play for his hometown Chicago Bulls. However, the Pistons chose him with the 2nd overall pick, and he went on to play 13 seasons in Detroit. Thomas averaged 19.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, with shooting percentages of 45% from the field, 29% from three-point range, and 75% from the free-throw line. His accolades include 12 All-Star appearances, five All-NBA team selections, two NBA Championships, a Finals MVP, and two All-Star Game MVPs.
Coaching Career
Given Thomas’s extensive knowledge as a player, a transition to coaching appeared to be a natural progression. In 2000, he was appointed head coach of the Indiana Pacers following Larry Bird’s resignation. Despite trading Dale Davis for Jermaine O’Neal, the Pacers remained competitive in the Eastern Conference. However, under Thomas, the team’s performance declined from 56 to 41 wins in his first season, and they exited the playoffs in the first round. In the next two seasons, Thomas led the Pacers to winning records, but they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs each year.
New York/FIU Debacle
In 2003, Isiah Thomas was hired as the President of Basketball Operations for the New York Knicks. Despite a promising roster, the team had the NBA’s second-worst record in the 2005-06 season despite having the highest payroll. Thomas then took over as head coach, replacing Larry Brown. His first season with the Knicks ended with a 33-49 record, highlighting his challenges in improving the team’s performance. In his second season, conflicts with starting point guard Stephon Marbury and the team’s poor performance (23-59) led to Thomas losing both his head coach and president positions.
Overall, Thomas coached five seasons in the NBA, with a regular-season record of 187-223 and a playoff record of 5-10. He then coached the FIU Panthers, posting a 26-65 record across three seasons before being dismissed.
Detroit Pistons Coach Bill Laimbeer?
Playing Career
Bill Laimbeer was traded to the Detroit Pistons during the 1982 season, where he and Isiah Thomas formed the core of the team. Together, they led the Pistons to become a consistent playoff contender throughout the mid-1980s and early 1990s. Laimbeer played 13.5 seasons with the Pistons, averaging 13.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game with shooting percentages of 49% from the field, 32% from three-point range, and 84% from the free-throw line. He earned four All-Star selections, won two NBA championships, and led the league in rebounds during the 1985-86 season.
Coaching Career
Bill Laimbeer began his coaching career in the WNBA with the Detroit Shock, taking over from Greg Williams after a tough start to the 2002 season where the team began 0-10. Under Laimbeer’s guidance, the Shock improved to a 9-13 record for the remainder of that season, though they finished with the league’s worst record at 9-23 overall. In his first full season as head coach, Laimbeer led the Shock to a remarkable turnaround, finishing with a 25-9 record and winning the WNBA championship in 2003. This achievement marked the first time an American professional sports team had gone from worst to champions in a single season. Over the next two seasons, the Shock posted records of 33-35, making the playoffs each year but exiting in the first round.
Laimbeer continued to find success with the Shock, securing two more WNBA titles in 2006 and 2008 before resigning in 2009 to pursue opportunities in NBA coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2009 to 2012 but did not secure a head coaching position in the NBA. Laimbeer returned to the WNBA when the New York Liberty offered him a coaching role. After two seasons and a record of 26-42, the Liberty initially parted ways with him but later rehired him for three more seasons, during which he compiled a 66-36 record.
In 2018, Laimbeer took over as the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, where he continued to excel, accumulating a record of 77-45 over three seasons. He announced his retirement in 2021, concluding a successful coaching career in both the WNBA and the NBA.
The Last Word
The Detroit Pistons are at a pivotal juncture as they deliberate over selecting a new head coach. Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer present distinct advantages and strong ties to the team. Thomas brings extensive experience and a celebrated history with the Pistons, despite having a somewhat inconsistent coaching record. Meanwhile, Laimbeer boasts a successful track record in the WNBA and embodies the resilient spirit cherished by Detroit supporters. The decision on the new head coach will significantly impact team unity, fan involvement, and overall performance during this transitional phase.