Last Updated on August 21, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here’s a detailed overview of Bill Laimbeer:

  • Full Name: William J. Laimbeer Jr.
  • Nationality: American
  • Shoe Size: 16 (US)
  • Wingspan: Approximately 7 feet 0 inches (213 cm)
  • Weight: 245 lbs (111 kg) during his playing career
  • Height: 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm)
  • Position: Center / Power Forward
  • Draft: 65th overall pick in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Age: Born on May 19, 1957, making him 67 years old as of 2024
  • College: University of Notre Dame
  • High School: Palos Verdes High School in Palos Verdes Estates, California
  • Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts (born), grew up in Chicago, Illinois
  • Championship Rings: 2 (1989 and 1990 with the Detroit Pistons)
  • Kids: Bill Laimbeer has two children: a daughter, Keriann, and a son, Eric.
  • Siblings: Bill Laimbeer has a sister, Susan Laimbeer.
  • Teams Played For:
    • Cleveland Cavaliers (1980–1982)
    • Detroit Pistons (1982–1993)

Bill Laimbeer is best known for his time with the Detroit Pistons as a key member of the “Bad Boys” teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his physical and often controversial style of play, Laimbeer was a four-time NBA All-Star and one of the league’s best rebounders and shooters among big men. He played a pivotal role in helping the Pistons win back-to-back NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990. After retiring as a player, Laimbeer became a successful coach in the WNBA, leading the Detroit Shock to three WNBA championships.

Notes:

  • I used to watch Bill Laimbeer play against Michael Jordan in the early 90s. He was the starting big man for the Pistons team alongside Dennis Rodman. It was a Pistons team that also featured Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars. In those days, I never viewed the Pistons as bad boys; they all were very clean-cut, especially the tall, white, clean-shaven Laimbeer. Rodman played with a lot of energy, but he wasn’t featured as much on his teams in his early years compared to when he played with Michael Jordan. He also didn’t stand out as much visually either because he hadn’t started coloring his hair yet.