Three titles in six seasons may not appear like much, but for Detroit Shock head coach and former Bad Boy Bill Laimbeer it’s a step in the right direction. After Sunday’s dominating win over the San Antonio Silver Stars, the Shock etched their name in Detroit sports history by capturing their third WNBA title.

Each of those title reigns were under the guidance of head coach Laimbeer, which certainly puts them into conversation as a modern-day Detroit sports dynasty. But what it also does is legitimize Laimbeer’s coaching ability, which is why he deserves a shot in the NBA.

In each of the team’s title reigns, Laimbeer has shown a desire to win and improve, even if it meant trading away fan favorites, like Swin Cash, and acquiring new talent through draft and free agency. When all-star Cheryl Ford sustained a season-ending injury earlier in the year, all was thought to be lost. But true to his championship ways, the former Bad Boy marched his team into the post-season piling up victories against New York and Indiana.

These are certainly signs of a great coach. Still it is Laimbeer’s days as a player that speak volume
about his character.

As a catalyst of back-to-back NBA championships, Laimbeer may not have been the most skilled player on the court but you could always count on him to give you his all. With his intimidating presence and physical defense to match, he was feared (and in most cases hated) by opposing players and fans. Here in Detroit, he was loved for those same reasons, so who’s to say he couldn’t translate that into a successful NBA coaching career? Under the guidance of proven winners like Greg Popovich and Phil Jackson, Laimbeer can flourish and develop the championship pedigree needed to survive in the league.

Newly appointed head coaches Michael Curry and Chicago’s Vinny Del Negro have shown us recently that experience isn’t necessary to get a job in the NBA, so maybe someone will take notice of Laimbeer’s accolades and give him the keys to their franchise. Otherwise, they’ll be missing out on someone who is truly special.