The Hall of Famer and former Detroit Pistons guard has informed ESPNChicago.com that he’s ready to make his next career move after being fired as coach of Florida International University back in April.  Read more after the jump.
“I definitely want to be in basketball again whether it be coaching or as a general manager,” Thomas said by phone. “My gift is basketball. I would love working with the kids. If it’s the right college program, I would consider it. If it’s the right GM job or coaching job in the NBA, I would consider it. I love the game. I just want to be in the game.”
“I’m like everyone else, I keep my options open,” Thomas said. “My mom always said don’t burn any bridges. I followed her advice. It would have to be the right option and right place.”
He went on to say that he was open to another college coaching job as well.
Thomas, 50, was hired by FIU in 2009. He posted a career record of 26-65 during his three seasons with the school.
Prior to that somewhat surprising move to college coaching, Thomas was hired by the New York Knicks in 2003 as president of basketball operations. He also served as coach during the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 seasons.
During a 13-year NBA career with the Pistons, Thomas was a 12-time All-Star point guard posted career averages of 19.2 points, 9.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game.
Is there an NBA team crazy enough to give Thomas another shot this offseason after he left the Knicks in scandal, amidst a sexual harrassment lawsuit and an illegal scouting operation? Almost certainly not. But we all know that won’t stop Thomas from trying.
Someone, at some point, will decide enough time has passed and that Thomas deserves another shot. It just might be a few years and it might not be the high-profile GM or head coaching job that he apparently desires.
