On this date in 2000, Isiah Thomas was named head coach of the Pacers, replacing Larry Bird, who stepped down following the 1999-2000 NBA season. Thomas, then 39, was a 12-time All-Star and led the Pistons to two NBA championships and was the Finals MVP in 1990. He also led Indiana University to the NCAA championship in 1981. As with Bird, who was the 1997-98 NBA Coach of the Year, the Pacers’ job was Thomas’ first coaching experience. Thomas coached the Pacers to three consecutive winning seasons, though each campaign ended with a first-round ouster.
Got a great basketball blog post that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors? Send it to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com. Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere…
- Six Championship Drive talks D.J. Augustin and Caron Butler.
- RotoWire looks at Lance Stephenson‘s fantasy value in Charlotte.
- FanDuel has seven ways LeBron James‘ return impacts the Cavs.
- There Is No Clutch has some thoughts on LeBron leaving Miami.
- The Starting Five says it’s business, not personal, for LeBron.
- Legion Report looks at more potential offseason moves for the Cavs.
- Red Rock Fantasy Basketball talks Trevor Ariza and more in this week’s podcast.
- Lakerholicz has six reasons why Carlos Boozer makes sense for L.A.
- The Daily Dribble gives us their all-time Lakers starting five.
Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.