Former NBA center Olden Polynice shared a memorable story from his playing days involving Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer. During a Detroit Pistons practice, a fight broke out between Thomas and Laimbeer, with Polynice caught in the middle trying to help.
Polynice recalled on Byron Scott’s Fast Break podcast that the scuffle escalated quickly. “Bam! Isiah just clocks Laimbeer,” Polynice said, via HoopsHype. The punch ended up breaking Thomas’ hand, leaving the six-foot guard with a cast.
Despite the injury, the team flew out for a game the same day. Polynice described the scene: “We’re playing cards as if nothing happened. Isiah’s got a casting on his hand. Thank you. That’s the way. Once it’s done, it’s done.”
Polynice emphasized the difference between then and now. “Once we get off the floor, it’s over with. That’s not the way it is today,” he said.
Thomas, Laimbeer, and Joe Dumars, all key members of the Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era, were known for their competitive and physical style on the court. Polynice’s story underscores the intensity of practices during that time and the toughness expected of players.
