Bill Laimbeer was a four time NBA All-Star in his playing days with the Detroit Pistons Allsport USA/Allsport

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (June 19, 2002) – Palace Sports and Entertainment President Tom Wilson announced today that former Pistons great Bill Laimbeer has agreed to a multi-year contract to coach the Detroit Shock. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. Laimbeer replaces Greg Williams as the third coach in Shock history.

“Bill has been close to the team since the beginning of training camp, holds great basketball knowledge and expertise and we feel he is the right person to turn the franchise around,” said Wilson. “We consider this a fresh start for the team.”

A four-time NBA All-Star, Laimbeer won back-to-back NBA Championships with the Pistons in 1989-90 and 1990-91 and averaged 12.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 1,068 games during his 14-year NBA career with Detroit and Cleveland. In 113 playoff games with the Pistons, he averaged 12.0 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists. The franchise leader in total rebounds (9,430), Laimbeer was the NBA’s leading rebounder in 1985-86 at 13.1 rebounds per game. He announced his retirement on December 1, 1993 and became one of six Pistons players to have their number retired on February 4, 1995. He most recently served as the Pistons’ television and radio analyst during the 2001-02 season.

“Anyone who has followed Bill Laimbeer’s basketball career realizes the passion that he has for the game,” said Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars. “Bill’s experience is a great addition for the Shock.”

Shock assistant coaches Frank Schneider and Tom Cross are being retained by the club.