Bill Laimbeer

40 • Center

Born: May 19, 1957, Boston, MA
Height: 6'11"
Weight: 245 lbs.

One of the most hated players in the league (but one of the most loved in Detroit), Bill Laimbeer was one of the roughest and dirtiest players in the NBA. Laimbeer was incredibly versitile - up until 1990 he had only missed two games in a Pistons uniform, both due to league-imposed suspensions. He held the fourth longest games played streak in NBA history, with 685 consecutive games. A four-time All-Star, Laimbeer is the all-time leading rebounder in Pistons history and ranks in the top 5 all-time scorers in Pistons history. Laimbeer won the NBA rebounding title with 13.1 per game in 1985-86 and from 1982-1990 he had more defensive rebounds than any other player.

Career highlights:

• Drafted 3rd round, 65th overall, by Cleveland in 1979 out of Notre Dame
• Traded from Cleveland to Detroit with Kenny Carr for Phil Hubbard, Paul Mokeski, and two draft picks
• Four-time NBA All-Star selection (1983, 1984, 1985, 1987)
• Set NBA Finals record with six 3-pointers, Game 2, 1990
• Retired 11 games into the 1993-94 season at 36 years old
• Had his #40 retired by the Pistons on February 6, 1995