Bill Laimbeer likes Liberty’s Isiah Thomas-fueled notoriety

Aug 16, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Liberty head coach Bill Laimbeer during the first half against the Washington Mystics at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Aug 16, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Liberty head coach Bill Laimbeer during the first half against the Washington Mystics at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Bill Laimbeer, via Marc Berman of The New York Post:

"“The spotlight is on the Liberty — that’s OK by me,’’ Laimbeer told The Post in a phone interview. “People are talking about the Liberty — now it’s detrimental. But people will pay attention — how are they doing, getting better, getting worse. I’m sure some people will want us to get worse. I never ran from that stuff.’’"

I like the idea of Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer teaming up again, recreating that Bad Boys mentality – but not like this.

When late-80s Pistons became infamous, it was because people resented their tough play. The spotlight is on the Liberty because Thomas was found to have sexually harassed an employee.

These are not nearly the same circumstances. Laimbeer embracing the situation might help him get through it, but this sure doesn’t give me the same feelings I have about the Bad Boys.