<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> 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. 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. </div> source
I'd actually kind of like to see what Laimbeer could do with the Knicks. He's a tough guy, a defensive guy (a bad boy...) and I think he would bring some elements that the Knicks lack, namely toughness and defense. I know a lot of other people don't think Laimbeer would cut it, but honestly, and I mean no offense to you Knick guys in saying this, why not take a shot? It's not like most of Isiah's other moves have worked out, and this franchise needs a jump start. Maybe Laimbeer would be the guy to deliver the shock that NY needs
I could see Laimbeer bringning a Avery Johnson type spark. Stressing toughness and defense, two things that the Knicks are lacking.
From what I've heard, Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer haven?t been cool since they were in Detroit. With Marbury and Kurt Thomas fighting, I definitely don?t want two people who are supposed to be leaders start feuding during the season. Even if they do end up on the same page, I still want Herb Williams. Herb is a low-profile kid of guy and it seems as if he has the support of the whole league backing him up. Also, didn?t Patrick Ewing say I might join the Knicks if Herb gets re-signed? This is too good of an opportunity to pass up on. Everyone in the organization likes and respects Herb and it seems as if he brings out the best in players. Is it just me, or has renaissance Tim Thomas emerged as soon as Herb was named interim head coach? I also think he needs a shot to show what he can do with a training camp along with a healthy roster. Based on what happens next season, than maybe we can determine whether he?s the right fit or not. I don?t think Isiah necessarily wants to re-sign Herb, however, he really has no choice and will again make it seem Herb was truly the ?frontrunner for the job?. Larry Brown and Phil Jackson aren?t coming here so we?re basically stuck with him. I know I probably sound like Knicks Analyst now, but we should have hired Fratello.
I think it's important for the Knicks to bring back Herb Williams and establish some stability. Far too, many coaching changes in New York over the past few seasons ... Herb Williams, Don Chaney, Lenny Wilkins, and Jeff Van Gundy. Retaining Herb Williams allows the Knicks to work on their progress from last season. The Knicks have a few bright spots on their roster, and should be better after the draft. Having Malik Rose on the roster for an entire season should also help out their defense. Plus with a year under their belts Sweetney and Ariza will have improved. The Knicks also get Pat Ewing as part of the package, which brings some positive media attention to the team and another voice in the locker room to support Herb Williams coaching system. I think the Knicks job will be more attractive next season after they can unload Allan Houston's contract. Until then, give Herb Williams a chance to run this team and see if the players respond to him.
