Work : New Career 1979 (pro-basketball career)
Work : New Job 1982 (traded to Detroit Pistons)
Work : Prize 1989 (sports championship)
Work : Retired 1993 (from pro basketball)
Work : Start Business 1994 (with his father and two sisters)
American athlete, a forward with the NBA Detroit Pistons from 1982-1993. Laimbeer was considered one of the leagues finest centers despite his nicknames as "the prince of darkness," "a street thug," "an ax murderer" and "His Heinous." He was often booed and jeered on court because of his willingness to throw an elbow, pretend to be fouled, indulge in angry shenanigans to invoke his opponents ire. He was drafted into the NBA in 1979, joining the Cleveland Cavaliers. Later in 1979 he played for a season in Italy. In 1982 he was traded to Detroit and became the Pistons all-time leader in rebounds and second in games played. As "head villain," he led the "Bad Boys" of Detroit to back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. Laimbeer once told Sports Illustrated, "I dont fight. I agitate, then walk away." In his career, he was a four-time NBA All-Star (1983, 84, 85, 87) Laimbeer attended high school in California and graduated from Notre Dame. He retired from basketball in 1993 and in 1994 he, his father and his two sisters purchased a company now known as Laimbeer Packaging Co in Melvindale, MI. Laimbeer learned about the business from his father and became president and chief executive officer. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less
Born: May 19, 1957, in Boston, Massachusetts
William Laimbeer Jr. is a prominent figure in the world of professional basketball, primarily known for his tenure with the Detroit Pistons during their "Bad Boys" era in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A four-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion, Laimbeer was a tenacious rebounder, a skilled three-point shooter for a center, and a controversial figure known for his physical play and on-court antics.
After a collegiate career at Notre Dame, Laimbeer was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1979. He was later traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he became a key piece of their championship teams. His playing style, while effective, often drew criticism for being overly physical and sometimes perceived as dirty. Nevertheless, his contributions to the Pistons' success are undeniable.
Following his retirement as a player, Laimbeer transitioned into coaching. He coached the Detroit Shock of the WNBA from 2002 to 2009, leading the team to three WNBA championships. He later coached the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, building the team into a perennial playoff contender.
Information regarding Laimbeer's recent activities and current projects outside of his past coaching role with the Las Vegas Aces can be difficult to find publicly. He maintains a relatively low profile compared to some other former NBA stars. Specific social media presence is also not readily apparent through standard searches. News updates specifically focusing on Laimbeer are infrequent.
For more up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult official league sources, sports news outlets, or potentially conduct more specialized searches.
Despite the controversies, William Laimbeer's place in basketball history is secure. He remains a memorable figure from the NBA's golden age, and his achievements as both a player and a coach speak for themselves. His impact on the game, particularly during his time with the Detroit Pistons, continues to be discussed and debated by fans and analysts alike. He exemplified a rugged, physical style of play that was emblematic of the era.
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