Isiah Thomas believes things would've played out differently for the Indiana Pacers had he not been fired in 2003.
During a recent appearance on NBA TV, the former Pacers head coach and Detroit Pistons legend claimed he could've prevented the infamous Malice at the Palace brawl from happening and led Indiana to a championship if he remained with the team.
"I was the coach that (Rick) Carlisle replaced and I thought he did a good job with that Pacer team. But I also say this: had I not got fired, I believe I'd have won a championship with that Pacer team. And I don't believe there would've been a 'Malice at the Palace,' because I don't believe that the Pistons fans would've acted that way with me coaching that team.
"However, Carlisle did a great job. Continued to do a great job in Dallas when he took over for Avery (Johnson) and he's had a great career."
Thomas coached the Pacers for three seasons, owning a 131-115 record in the regular season while going 5-10 in the playoffs.
Carlisle, who returned to the Pacers as head coach in July, amassed a 181-147 regular-season record and went 18-17 in the playoffs across four seasons after replacing Thomas.
- With h/t to the Indianapolis Star
