Bill Laimbeer

Detroit Pistons
6-11 250 Center

Battled for rebounding crown all season and thought he had it locked up when his season ended the day before Charles Barkley's did... Barkley needed a bundle of rebounds to pass him and, on last day of season, Laimbeer received call from Pistons' PR man telling him that the 76ers-Bullets game had gone three OTs and Barkley had edged him... Sank into instant depression... When he was told it was just a joke, he didn't laugh... Opponents don't laugh when they play him, either... The next time his feet leave the floor will be the first time, but he knows all about positioning, so he won rebounding title with 13.1 average... Still has no inside game on offense, but no one has found a way to stop his 18-foot jumpers from falling with incredible regularity... One of league's least-popular players because of his penchant for acting his way into drawing offensive fouls... All-around ability can't be questioned... will earn $630,000 this season... Drafted No. 65 overall by Cavs in 1979, out of Notre Dame... Played one season in Italy... Born May 19, 1957, in Boston... Acquired from Cleveland with Kenny Carr for Phil Hubbard, Paul Mokeski and two second-round picks in February 1982.

Relevant Stats:
16.6 ppg, 49.2 FG%, 13.1 rpg