Laimbeer to coach knicks? (pj running out of jobs?)

[ducks]

Laimbeer meets with Knicks' Thomas
By RICK FREEMAN, AP Sports Writer
June 12, 2005

NEW YORK (AP) -- Bill Laimbeer recently met with Knicks president Isiah Thomas and acknowledged Sunday that he discussed the possibility of coaching the team.

``I suppose that was part of it, yes,'' Laimbeer said. ``We talked about his basketball team, about its structure and what his vision is.''

Laimbeer, the former Pistons center who now coaches the WNBA's Detroit Shock, was not more specific, but he said there was no timetable for his next move.

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In April, Thomas called interim coach Herb Williams the ``front-runner'' to be the head coach when training camp opens in October, Thomas also met with Phil Jackson that month, and has interviewed other candidates.

Laimbeer has said before that he would like to coach in the NBA someday. He and Thomas were teammates on Detroit's ``Bad Boys'' 1989 and 1990 NBA championship teams.

``I think he's a very smart basketball guy,'' Laimbeer said. ``I think he's a great evaluator of talent.''

The Knicks finished 33-49 last season, and coach Lenny Wilkens resigned at midseason. Williams led New York to a 16-27 finish. A nine-game losing streak that began in March ended any chance New York had of qualifying for the playoffs for a second straight year.

If Laimbeer, who coached the Shock to the WNBA le in 2003, were to take the job, he'd be the Knicks' fourth coach in two seasons. The Knicks haven't won a postseason game in four years, and it's been five since they took a playoff series.

[ZStomp]

Good...keep PJ here...

[Marklar MM]

I wouldn't mind Bill not going to the Knicks. He and Mahorn can stay in Detroit and teach the noobs how to play.

[PistonsNation]

Yeah, read about this possibilty awhile back. I think if it didn't go well for him at first players like Steph and JCraw might turn on him for demanding too much.

[danyel]

Why not? Is not as if the knicks got a chance, regardless of who the coach is.

[rolbaza]

Ric Buchler said on ESPN News this afternoon. He said the reason that PJ's name wwas withdrawn from cosideration was KJ had heard some negative things from (GUESS WHO) Latrell Spreewell. I bet PJ feels alot better. I say he stays on the bench and takes over for Popp when he retires after winning his 4th lle next year. Why would PJ want to rebuild when he can continue to reload.