Voisin: Laimbeer would be a fit for Kings

[VF21]

http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/187035.html

Ailene Voisin: Bill Laimbeer? He would be a fit for Kings
By Ailene Voisin - Bee Columnist
Last Updated 1:56 am PDT Sunday, May 20, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C1

While perusing the underwhelming list of Kings coaching candidates -- all of whom are legitimate prospects, but none of whom is going to make anyone to rush out and buy season tickets -- one intriguing, perhaps even fascinating, non-candidate immediately comes to mind: Bill Laimbeer.

Why isn't he on this list?

Why isn't he on everyone's list?

Bad Boys can be good coaches, too.

The former Detroit Pistons center was back on national television again Saturday afternoon, guiding his defending champion Detroit Shock past the Monarchs in a WNBA season opener, and continuing to expand his image beyond that of the surprisingly effective, physically bruising, thought-provoking thug who anchored the 1989 and 1990 NBA championship teams.

Since Laimbeer took up with the women six years ago, his popularity not only revived a dying franchise, his unwavering, demanding presence contributed mightily to two title runs and his club's emergence among the league's elite.

Many who despised Laimbeer during his days with the Pistons (see Jerry Reynolds) are openly impressed with his ability to communicate with players, motivate players, develop players. Moving beyond the obvious gender issue -- men who coach women can't coach men? -- it therefore seems absurd that his name isn't mentioned for coaching vacancies in Charlotte, Memphis, Seattle, Indiana, Houston and particularly Sacramento, the local franchise confronting a uniquely complicated set of circumstances.

No offense to any of the candidates on Geoff Petrie's current list, but the roster is terribly conventional and not very compelling. There isn't a tortured soul in the bunch.

Larry Brown, Jeff Van Gundy and Rick Carlisle can't catch a whiff of Petrie's attention. Don Nelson got stiff-armed a year ago. Instead, we have a list of nice, normal men, all of whom know their X's and O's and come highly recommended.

Tom Thibodeau and Marc Iavaroni are respected longtime assistants. Brian Shaw is projected as the next former Laker to make a faster-than-usual leap. Kurt Rambis and Stan Van Gundy are one-time head coaches who were fired only because the higher-profile Phil Jackson and Pat Riley became available.

Scotty Brooks is the highly regarded Kings assistant who earned chits for loyalty and discretion while Eric Musselman imploded. Terry Porter is a former Kings and current Pistons assistant who briefly coached the Milwaukee Bucks. Elston Turner is another ex-Kings assistant. Reggie Theus is the former star who looks great on the sidelines but might be too colorful for Petrie, who historically favors vanilla when choosing his coaches.

So, OK, our guy Geoff went to Princeton. Maybe he skipped psychology classes? With the Kings in the midst of a rebuilding process, colorful and entertaining and "big personality" might be part of the solution.

This is a small-market franchise in desperate need of someone to re-engage the community, in desperate need of an identity on the court, in desperate need of a new arena, in desperate need of reasons to continue paying top dollar for season tickets while Petrie undertakes what figures to be a two-to three-year process.

"There are two types of teams," said Laimbeer, reached at his home the other day. "There is the team that's right there, just needs a little push, or the team that you have to take and move forward. Our Pistons team always felt we were moving toward winning a championship, but it took us six years."

Meantime, teams still must entertain to sell tickets. Why not think outside the arena? Why not roll with a rebel?

Throw the fans a bone while trading, drafting, signing, growing, and in Laimbeer, the fans would be getting steak, not warmed-over caviar. An excellent all-around coach -- did we mention that already? -- Laimbeer has a booming personality, occasionally outrageous wit and candid, accommodating nature that resemble a combination of Don Nelson, Jerry Sloan and Gregg Popovich. Laimbeer doesn't shrink in the arena, either; during the 2006 WNBA Finals, he convinced his players they could win Game 4 in an intimidating Arco Arena, then directed them to the clinching victory at Joe Louis Arena.

"Coaches get fired because players give up on the coach," said Laimbeer. "You have to be straight with people and hold them accountable. But you want to have fun, make it exciting. Players have to want to play for you. There is nothing worse than boring basketball for the fans and the players. Defend and run. You can't win if you can't get easy baskets, and both leagues are moving that way."

The rap on Laimbeer? Why he is continually overlooked, his impressive NBA pedigree and WNBA coaching success notwithstanding? Ask the women of the WNBA. Heck, ask John Whisenant. The NBA is a gender-restricted shop, and quite simply, many of Laimbeer's own friends and former peers fail to acknowledge that leadership transcends gender, that presence is presence, that coaching is coaching.

Laimbeer would be interesting and, at the least, should be added to the list.

About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@ sacbee.com.

 

[VF21]

"Coaches get fired because players give up on the coach," said Laimbeer. "You have to be straight with people and hold them accountable. But you want to have fun, make it exciting. Players have to want to play for you. There is nothing worse than boring basketball for the fans and the players. Defend and run. You can't win if you can't get easy baskets, and both leagues are moving that way."

I have to admit - on first glance I find this more than a little intriguing. He certainly gets results and you cannot fault his NBA credentials, as Voisin says he's the "surprisingly effective, physically bruising, thought-provoking thug who anchored the 1989 and 1990 NBA championship teams."

The main complaint a lot of us had with Whisenant was that he had NO NBA experience. You sure cannot say that about Laimbeer.

 

[BRad1055]

Ya you can say that about Laimbeer because he doesn't have any nba coaching experience. I was listening to Grant the other day and he was talking about how he has talked to other coaches and GM's and that nowadays you have to have at least two years assistant coaching experience in the NBA before you are truely ready to be a head coach in the NBA.

 

[VF21]

Ya you can say that about Laimbeer because he doesn't have any nba coaching experience. I was listening to Grant the other day and he was talking about how he has talked to other coaches and GM's and that nowadays you have to have at least two years assistant coaching experience in the NBA before you are truely ready to be a head coach in the NBA.

Um, what?

I just said despite his lack of NBA coaching experience, he does have NBA experience as a player AND I think he's done wonders with the Detroit Shock. Will that translate to a head coaching position in the NBA? I certainly think it's worth considering.

 

[thelonegunman]

Coincidentally, I was contemplating Bill Laimbeer's name about a week ago and wondering why he's never been mentioned for ANY NBA job. It doesn't make sense to me. Coaching a WNBA team might be seen as a negative by NBA players, however, those same players cannot ignore the 2 NBA championship rings on his fingers. Because of that, he cannot be totally dismissed.

I'd like to see Laimbeer's name added into the mix. As far as I'm concerned, he has more of the attributes the Kings should be looking for. Tough minded coach (ala Popovich, Sloan, Riley), proven winner (as a player and coach), ability to communicate with different types of players, etc.

 

[nbrans]

Um, what?

I just said despite his lack of NBA coaching experience, he does have NBA experience as a player AND I think he's done wonders with the Detroit Shock. Will that translate to a head coaching position in the NBA? I certainly think it's worth considering.

I don't think he's a worthy candidate for the same reasons I don't think college coaches (ahem, Theus) are good choices. NBA assistants have spent the last couple of years trying to help figure out how to stop Tim Duncan and LeBron James. Laimbeer and Reggie Theus have been trying to figure out how to stop Diana Taurasi and Nick Fazekas.

I don't see any reason to suggest the WNBA to NBA coaching leap would be any more successful than the college to NBA coaching leap -- as in, not at all successful.

I'll take guys who have NBA experience both as players and coaches. If you're going to hire someone to build your garage, you don't hire someone who has been building doll houses for the last five years.

 

[Venom]

I don't think he's a worthy candidate for the same reasons I don't think college coaches (ahem, Theus) are good choices. NBA assistants have spent the last couple of years trying to help figure out how to stop Tim Duncan and LeBron James. Laimbeer and Reggie Theus have been trying to figure out how to stop Diana Taurasi and Nick Fazekas.

I don't see any reason to suggest the WNBA to NBA coaching leap would be any more successful than the college to NBA coaching leap -- as in, not at all successful.

I'll take guys who have NBA experience both as players and coaches. If you're going to hire someone to build your garage, you don't hire someone who has been building doll houses for the last five years.

Agreed. Laimbeer needs to be an NBA assistant before he will get consideration for NBA head jobs. Next Voison will be promoting Pat Summit for an interview. . .

 

[VF21]

I'll take guys who have NBA experience both as players and coaches.

That might be the ideal scenario but let's be realistic. There are several openings for head coach this year and the Kings' slot is NOT the most tempting for potential coaches. I think there's every possibility Laimbeer, with lots of experience and some rings from the NBA (and not as a 12th man type of thing) has shown he can coach. I think his stature as a former Detroit bad boy puts him in the position of garnering respect from players like Artest, who might not give the same respect to someone like Whisenant who didn't bring any NBA experience to the table.

If you're going to hire someone to build your garage, you don't hire someone who has been building doll houses for the last five years.

I fail to see the relevance in this statement and, quite frankly, find it a bit insulting. But maybe that's just me...

Laimbeer's credentials, IMHO, still make him worthy of consideration. I know I'd take him over Kurt Rambis or Brian Shaw any day of the week, and not just because of their Laker association.

 

[VF21]

Agreed. Laimbeer needs to be an NBA assistant before he will get consideration for NBA head jobs. Next Voison will be promoting Pat Summit for an interview. . .

And what, pray tell, is Laimbeer going to learn as an assistant coach in the NBA that he hasn't already learned both as a title-winning player AND a title-winning coach in the WNBA?

I'm being serious. What qualities do you think he lacks?

 

[Arkitect]

And what, pray tell, is Laimbeer going to learn as an assistant coach in the NBA that he hasn't already learned both as a title-winning player AND a title-winning coach in the WNBA?

I'm being serious. What qualities do you think he lacks?

He lacks the experience of ever having coached NBA players. Coaching the WNBA is the same as coaching college ball, at least when it comes to relevance of being able to coach NBA basketball. It is entirely different. The game is different and the egos are different. That said, I wouldn't be opposed to taking a look at Laimbeer, if only because I think he would make a good NBA coach after he got some time on the bench as an assistant. Kind of a bigger, meaner version of Avery Johnson.

 

[VF21]

He lacks the experience of ever having coached NBA players.

And what specific qualities would those be?

Come on. Let's get down to details here.

 

[Arkitect]

He's never coached a Ron Artest. Or coached against a LeBron James. Players in the NBA have gigantic egos. They know they are the best at what they do and are not afraid to tell everyone about it. Some players in the NBA make individually what every player in the entire WNBA makes combined, contributing to a HUGE sense of entitlement for many NBA players. Star WNBA players are just happy to be playing. Laimbeer has never had to worry about his players going AWOL on him. Also, average NBA players play at an athletic level that is way beyond what the best WNBA player can dream of achieving, which leads to a drastic difference in the style of play. Coaching is all about managing egos and planning strategies. Laimbeer has had no experience whatsoever dealing with these important parts of coaching on an NBA level. There is a very good chance he would be unsuccessful at an NBA level, much like most college coaches are unsuccessful at an NBA level.

 

[nbrans]

And what, pray tell, is Laimbeer going to learn as an assistant coach in the NBA that he hasn't already learned both as a title-winning player AND a title-winning coach in the WNBA?

I'm being serious. What qualities do you think he lacks?

Offensive strategies, defensive strategies, the familiarity with the league that comes with having obsessively followed the NBA for the last several season as an assistant coach. I also agree with Arkitekt. WNBA players are making, what, $30,000 a year? They don't have entourages. They're not global celebrities. The actions of a WNBA coach are not scrutinized by millions of fans.

Let's face it: a college coach has been obsessively following college, a WNBA coach has been obsessively following the WNBA. Sure they might catch some NBA games, but do you think they have the same intimate familiarity with NBA teams and players than an NBA assistant coach has?

It's not just credibility, although that is a component. It's a question of knowledge and familiarity with the league.

And the last factor, to me, is that there is zero track record for a college coach succeeding in the NBA. Zero. Plenty brilliant college coaches have tried, nearly all have failed, and not only failed, but failed spectacularly. I don't see how the jump from the WNBA to the NBA is any different. If anything, it's being generous to call WNBA equivalent to men's college. It's not like Laimbeer has spent the last few years drawing up alley-oop inbounds plays.

 

[VF21]

Offensive strategies, defensive strategies, the familiarity with the league that comes with having obsessively followed the NBA for the last several season as an assistant coach. I also agree with Arkitekt. WNBA players are making, what, $30,000 a year? They don't have entourages. They're not global celebrities. The actions of a WNBA coach are not scrutinized by millions of fans.

Let's face it: a college coach has been obsessively following college, a WNBA coach has been obsessively following the WNBA. Sure they might catch some NBA games, but do you think they have the same intimate familiarity with NBA teams and players than an NBA assistant coach has?

It's not just credibility, although that is a component. It's a question of knowledge and familiarity with the league.

And the last factor, to me, is that there is zero track record for a college coach succeeding in the NBA. Zero. Plenty brilliant college coaches have tried, nearly all have failed, and not only failed, but failed spectacularly. I don't see how the jump from the WNBA to the NBA is any different. If anything, it's being generous to call WNBA equivalent to men's college. It's not like Laimbeer has spent the last few years drawing up alley-oop inbounds plays.

Knowledge and familiarity with the league? He has RINGS from the league, for God's sake. He knows tempermental players.

Offensive strategies? Defensive strategies? I would venture to say that Laimbeer understands defense a lot better than at least half the coaches in the NBA today...

Yes, I know there's a predisposition to look down one's nose at any coach who hasn't paid his dues, as Slim mentioned in another contest. But Laimbeer isn't any coach. I still firmly believe that the unique combination of his playing experience AND his coaching experience in leading the Detroit Shock makes him worth consideration.

I personally would much rather see him considered than a couple of the assistant coaches who have become media darlings simply because they sat down the bench from the guy named D'Antoni or Jackson.

 

[VF21]

He's never coached a Ron Artest. Or coached against a LeBron James. Players in the NBA have gigantic egos. They know they are the best at what they do and are not afraid to tell everyone about it. Some players in the NBA make individually what every player in the entire WNBA makes combined, contributing to a HUGE sense of entitlement for many NBA players. Star WNBA players are just happy to be playing. Laimbeer has never had to worry about his players going AWOL on him. Also, average NBA players play at an athletic level that is way beyond what the best WNBA player can dream of achieving, which leads to a drastic difference in the style of play. Coaching is all about managing egos and planning strategies. Laimbeer has had no experience whatsoever dealing with these important parts of coaching on an NBA level. There is a very good chance he would be unsuccessful at an NBA level, much like most college coaches are unsuccessful at an NBA level.

Do you actually know WHO Bill Laimbeer was in his playing days? I think he has a unique view of the players with gigantic egos, the athletic players, etc.

This isn't about the WNBA vs. the NBA IMHO. It's about being willing to look past the obvious and perhaps finding the coach the Kings will follow back to elite status.

This is all hypothetical, of course. We don't know if Laimbeer is interested or if he'd accept a position on a team as much in chaos as the current Kings as far as future rosters go. And we certainly don't know if he'd work out.

I think I'd be inclined to give him a shot, provided he surrounds himself with the right kind of assistants.

I honestly think some men are just anti-WNBA to the point where they cannot even consider the possibility of someone from that organization making the transition to the NBA.

If anyone can do it, I suspect Bill Laimbeer might just be the one. Of course, that could all end up disastrously - but then it wouldn't be any worse than what we just escaped.

 

[nbrans]

Knowledge and familiarity with the league? He has RINGS from the league, for God's sake. He knows tempermental players.

Offensive strategies? Defensive strategies? I would venture to say that Laimbeer understands defense a lot better than at least half the coaches in the NBA today...

Yes, I know there's a predisposition to look down one's nose at any coach who hasn't paid his dues, as Slim mentioned in another contest. But Laimbeer isn't any coach. I still firmly believe that the unique combination of his playing experience AND his coaching experience in leading the Detroit Shock makes him worth consideration.

I personally would much rather see him considered than a couple of the assistant coaches who have become media darlings simply because they sat down the bench from the guy named D'Antoni or Jackson.

You know who else has a ring? Iavaroni, as a starter. But hey -- just a media darling I guess.

Leading the Detroit Shock gives him zero points in my book. Zero. College coaching gets Theus zero points in my book. It would be one thing if there was a precedent for WNBA to NBA or college to NBA working, but it just doesn't work. It's not a male/female thing or a WNBA vs. NBA thing. It's merely NBA vs. anything else. There's no substitute for being on an NBA bench.

There are plenty of experienced NBA assistants who have gone on to be become good NBA coaches. There's a really solid track record there. I'm not really interested in experimenting with Laimbeer or Theus.

 

[VF21]

It would be one thing if there was a precedent for WNBA to NBA or college to NBA working, but it just doesn't work.

Just a reminder that in order to set a precedent something has to happen that hasn't happened before.

 

[ZanesvilleFan]

Im for Pat Summit...It would give us all something to talk about and you cant complain about her WNCAA rings...What could seriously go wrong if we hired a woman as a couch...We would get a lot more televised games and keep the streak going for most consecutive sell-outs (if thats still going)...I would say that I am for the idea...

 

[kennadog]

Do you actually know WHO Bill Laimbeer was in his playing days? I think he has a unique view of the players with gigantic egos, the athletic players, etc.

Actually, I'd say Laimbeer is a huge, gigantic ego on two legs. I doubt he doesn't understand big egos. And I don't think he'd be the least intimidated by any big egos.

 

[Entity]

I agree with both VF and nbrans here. I think Laimbeer could very well be a great coach one day with some NBA team. He has playing experience and coaching experience. But as nbrans said the familiarity with the league RIGHT NOW is not what it should be. As a a championship winning WNBA coach I (like nbrans) don't think he has seen enough NBA games to know the players of the leage as a head coach should. Sure VF you are rigith he has rings and knows the game from 17 years ago. He could tell you all about Barkley, Jordan, Ewing, Hakeem, Bird. but none of those guys are playing today. He needs to know the complete games and tendancies of Boozer, Wade, James, Bryant, Yao, Brand, Nash, Dirk and I just don't think he has seen enough of that to jump rght into a head coaching job in the NBA maybe an assitant to Ivaroni.

 

[VF21]

Sure VF you are rigith he has rings and knows the game from 17 years ago. He could tell you all about Barkley, Jordan, Ewing, Hakeem, Bird. but none of those guys are playing today. He needs to know the complete games and tendancies of Boozer, Wade, James, Bryant, Yao, Brand, Nash, Dirk and I just don't think he has seen enough of that to jump rght into a head coaching job in the NBA maybe an assitant to Ivaroni.

I don't think he's been living in a cave. He's the coach of the Detroit Shock, that happens to share facilities with the Detroit Pistons. I could be wrong, but I suspect Mr. Laimbeer has a much better knowledge of the games and tendencies of today's players than you might realize.

And I'm also willing to bet he watches games.

 

[Entity]

yep your right what was I thinking. I am sure he knows just as much about the players and teams in the NBA than any assistant coach currently in the NBA.

 

[BMiller52]

IIRC he's also the 1 of the Pistons commentators. I'm pretty sure he's seen a ton of NBA games lol...

 

[Kingster]

I like Laimbeer. I liked his toughness as a player and I liked very much what he had to say in the article. The guy would be very difficult for any player to ignore, that's for sure. He has an opinion, and he isn't bashful about offering it. He's not "vanilla", not milk-toast, which is what I'm looking for. As for not having no assistant coaching experience in the NBA, so what? What exactly would he he obtain as an NBA assistant that he doesn't already have? Pat Riley was an announcer with the Lakers before he got that job. I'd bet Laimbeer knows the Xs and Os. Substitution patterns? What's the diff from the girls league? Or from any league for that matter. The main thing is that he knows what the deal is - he's been there, done that. He's got instant credibility with the team. He's definitely worth the look. The only question is whether Petrie is too afraid to give him an interview. Laimbeer would instantly become the face of the Kings - not the Maloofs, not Petrie. Can they handle that?

 

[Kingster]

He's never coached a Ron Artest. Or coached against a LeBron James. Players in the NBA have gigantic egos. They know they are the best at what they do and are not afraid to tell everyone about it. Some players in the NBA make individually what every player in the entire WNBA makes combined, contributing to a HUGE sense of entitlement for many NBA players. Star WNBA players are just happy to be playing. Laimbeer has never had to worry about his players going AWOL on him. Also, average NBA players play at an athletic level that is way beyond what the best WNBA player can dream of achieving, which leads to a drastic difference in the style of play. Coaching is all about managing egos and planning strategies. Laimbeer has had no experience whatsoever dealing with these important parts of coaching on an NBA level. There is a very good chance he would be unsuccessful at an NBA level, much like most college coaches are unsuccessful at an NBA level.

Assistant coaches do not handle the egos of NBA players either. It's the head coach that has that chore. Assistant coaches are there to support the egos and help with skills work and Xs and Os. They don't make the hard decisions about who plays and who doesn't. They don't have to tell someone they are playing like crap. So every assistant Petrie is interviewing is a crap shoot in that regard (no pun intended).

As an aside, Artest is a goner. No one in his right mind would want to coach the guy and Petrie's going to do whatever to get rid of him.

 

[thelonegunman]

Do you actually know WHO Bill Laimbeer was in his playing days? I think he has a unique view of the players with gigantic egos, the athletic players, etc.

And let's not forget that Laimbeer was coached by the great Chuck Daly. A coach that knew how to deal with egos and deal with unruly players. Laimbeer was there during the days when Coach Daly kept Dennis Rodman under control. And Laimbeer wasn't exactly the easiest player to coach either. I'm sure Bill learned quite a few things playing under Coach Daly.

You also have to consider the track record of former Pistons (from the Daly era) that have had success in coaching / front office. Isiah Thomas has developed into a decent coach and Joe Dumars has become one helluva GM. That should trend shouldn't be completely overlooked.

 

[Heuge]

I like it....Sign em up

 

[Heuge]

Just a reminder that in order to set a precedent something has to happen that hasn't happened before.

Michael Cooper may be a precedence. He coached 20 some odd games for the Nuggets. Didnt do well, if I recall. He was replaced an interim by Goerge Karl.

With that said, I say again...give him a shot. He would be 1 or 1a on my list with Iavaroni. No better time then know to take a risk.

 

[Bricklayer]

Why I wonder?

Because he was more famous than most of the other guys, so even the layman knows the name?

I have generally stayed out of this because if he had been on the list, I would have not particularly raised an eyebrow. But it very much would have been another Reggie Theus out of left field candidate. There is NOTHING on Laimbeer's resume to particularly suggest NBA coaching success. Nothing. Does not mean that he would necessarily fail, but coaching a WNBA team for 2 months of every year is no better indicator of success in the NBA than college, or maybe even below that. Vastly different game, and different world when it comes to money, egos, pressure. Now he was a long term NBA player, and that would put him well ahead of a guy like Whiz in my book -- that would be why there is a chance. But then again, so was virtually every other name on that list. And most of them were the smart, hardworking, easy to coach guys soaking up all the knowledge they could get rather than an arogant troublemaker who wasn't even popular in his own locker room. And all of them, Theus aside, have had extensive experience in the NBA coaching world since their playing days ended 10-15 years ago.

You notice Laimbeer's name has not been attached to any of the various vacancies this summer. There is a reason for that. If Big Bad Bill really wants a shot at coaching an NBA team, he's going to have to swallow his ego and come pay his dues as an assistant in the NBA for a few years. See how the players react to him, how he reacts to them.

 

[VF21]

I still think it's an interesting topic of discussion. Since he apparently hasn't even been contacted, however, I'll chalk it up to a pipe dream of Voisin's and leave it at that.

I just have to confess the idea of having the Kings coached by someone with the player reputation and toughness of Laimbeer was hypnotic. I pictured how he would tell the new "tough" Kings to handle jerks like Bowen and Horry.



It was a momentarily lapse in judgment - but it was a pleasant diversion.