Bill Laimbeer, the center who symbolized the Detroit Pistons' tough play in winning NBA titles in 1989 and 1990, had his No. 40 jersey retired Saturday night.
Laimbeer's number was raised to the rafters of the Palace during a half-hour ceremony before the game against Atlanta."I had a great run and had a lot of fun," said Laimbeer, who retired last year after 12 NBA seasons. "When I came here I was just a kid. We grew up and became men. And what really drove me and all of us were the people and fans of the city of Detroit."
Laimbeer became the fourth Piston to have his number retired. He joins Bob Lanier , Dave Bing and Vinnie Johnson . Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and former coach Chuck Daly were among those who spoke during the ceremony.
Pistons president Tom Wilson presented a check for $5,000 from the NBA intended for the charity of Laimbeer's choice, calling it "a refund" for the various contributions he had made to the NBA's disciplinary office during his career.