(Editor’s note: This article comes from The Spun’s “Yesterday and Today” magazinefeaturing interviews with over 50 sports stars of yesteryear. Order your copy online todayor buy one at retail stores and newsstands nationwide.)
One of the Detroit Pistons’ most famous Bad Boys has gone soft as a senior. Former center Bill Laimbeer now spends his days relaxing on his farm, playing golf and fishing.
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“I’m completely retired and done with basketball,” Laimbeer, 68, said. “Nothing could bring me back – not broadcasting, not coaching, nothing. I’m very happy with what I’m doing now, and that’s pretty much nothing.”
Laimbeer was one of the main cogs in the Bad Boys legacy in the 1980s and early 1990s, alongside Rick Mahorn, Dennis Rodman, Joe Dumars and Isiah Thomas. They were a formidable unit that took physical play to another level, turning swaggering and ruthless defense into an art form.
“The whole Bad Boys thing gave us a sense of identity, a purpose,” Laimbeer said. “It was one of the greatest sports nicknames of all time. It will be remembered for a long time and we are proud of what we accomplished with our nickname.”
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Detroit Pistons center Bill Laimbeer confronts New Jersey Nets forward Derrick Coleman for rebounding position during a 1993 game. Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Laimbeer and his 6-foot-11, nearly 250-pound frame were known for two things: personal fouls (3.42 average) and rebounds (9.75 average), for which he remains the franchise leader.
Thomas broke his hand hitting Laimbeer during a heated practice early in the 1993–94 season, prompting Laimbeer to abruptly retire.
After several years as a broadcaster, he became a coach in the WNBAtaking the Detroit Shock to three championships in six years.
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“I came into women’s soccer early and thought I did a really good job of helping change the game,” said Laimbeer, a two-time WNBA Coach of the Year. “I made it more physical, I sped up the game, our teams won championships, always competed for championships.
“But it was still a growing sport. Now the players are the name. They compete as hard as the guys.”
Although he aspired to become a NBA coach, the closest he came was a three-year stint as an assistant with the Timberwolves (2009-12) before returning to the WNBA for nine more seasons.
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The Pistons’ back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990 remain Laimbeer’s greatest achievement. He still maintains close ties with several of his former teammates.
“We don’t see each other as much as we’d like, but still six or seven of us text each other at least once a week to just check in and see how everyone is doing.”
On the same subject: Magazine “yesterday and today”: catch up with 50 sports stars of yesteryear
Related: Catching up with Cincinnati Reds greats Tony Perez and Johnny Bench
This story was originally published by The yarn on December 22, 2025, where he first appeared in the NBA section. Add The Spun as Favorite source by clicking here.
