The 1985 season's Bill Laimbeer had not yet become a thorough asshole.
At this time, he was an All-Star white center with an extremely accurate mid-to-long-range shot, one of the few big men in the league who could hit threes.
Although he liked to use nasty moves in defense to hurt and provoke opponents, disturbing their emotions, this had not yet become the style of the entire Detroit Pistons, only Laimbeer's personal vice.
The Pistons' starting lineup consisted of Laimbeer, Thomas, Kelly Tricap, Terry Tyler, and John Long; aside from Laimbeer, Thomas was small in stature, and Tricap, Tyler, and Long were all offensive players.