Bill Laimbeer is one of the NBA legends who have successfully transitioned to coaching. However, Lambs’ journey was quite unique as he landed in the WNBA instead of the NBA.
During his playing years, Laimbeer made a name for himself as one of the most fearsome members of the notorious “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons. According to his former Pistons teammate Rick Mahorn, the reputation Bill built as a member of the Bad Boys has something to do with why he isn’t coaching in the men’s league.
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“Because people think he’s an a—hole,” Mahorn told MLive when asked why Laimbeer isn’t an NBA coach. “That’s it. When it comes down to it, if he ever got an opportunity, I think he would be great at it.”
Bill knows the game from both fields
Mahorn was clearly just speculating, but if there’s something he was sure of about Laimbeer, it would be his fellow former Bad Boy’s undeniable skills.
When asked whether Bill was a better player or better coach, Rick confidently vouched for Lambs in both fields.
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“Laimbeer is a better … both,” Mahorn said. “He’s a great coach. He’s a competitor. As far as basketball, being able to translate it onto the court, I think he was a better … both.”
How Lambs developed his coaching skills
Mahorn may not have been surprised to see Laimbeer hit his stride as a coach. However, those who only knew Bill as a bruiser and dirty player found it quite a shock to see him succeed in coaching the WNBA.
According to the man in question, he lacked the qualities of a good coach from the start. Like any other coach, Lambs also had to develop it within himself. Laimbeer also noted that he deliberately changed his approach and style when he transitioned to coaching.
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“Being out of basketball helped me become more patient and understand that not everyone thinks the same,”saidLaimbeer. “I’m still demanding, but I get my point across by using playing time and not by getting in someone’s face. I never wanted a screamer as a coach.”
A WNBA legend
Judging by how Laimbeer’s WNBA coaching career played out, it’s safe to say he was more than just a Bad Boy Pistons legend. In his 19-year career as a WNBA coach, Lambs was considered as one of the best in his profession.
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Laimbeed led the Detroit Shock to three WNBA championships and the New York Liberty to back-to-back conference titles. It’s also worth noting that Bill won two WNBA Coach of the Year honors. He also accumulated a total of 306 career wins as a coach, making him one of the winningest WNBA coaches of all time.
In 2022, Laimbeer finally called it quits and retired as one of the most legendary and influential people in WNBA history. Would the NBA be Coach Bill’s next destination when he decides to return? Let’s wait and see.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jan 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
