Carlisle returns- What will it mean for the Pacers?
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — The very minute Rick Carlisle decided to leave Dallas, speculation began for an Indiana reunion. Though most people, including myself, figured he would end up in Boston or Milwaukee, the opportunity was still there. After firing two Nate’s in less than a 10-month period, Pacers President Kevin Pritchard didn’t need a long search this time around. He went after his guy, and he got him. And now, the Jim Carrey lookalike/one of the best coaches in Pacers history is back.
So what does this mean for the Pacers franchise? Let’s consider what this move guarantees, and what it doesn’t.
What hiring Rick Carlisle guarantees:
•The Pacers will not be rebuilding. Not that anyone thought this franchise would rebuild anyway, but this move confirms it. Don’t rule out a big move or two this summer, but you can expect most (or all) of the core players to return. It’s an injury-prone but talented roster. While the Pacers shouldn’t put all their eggs in the “stay-healthy” basket, we continue to wonder what the right coach + more health could look like for this group.
•The Pacers will have a good offense. Carlisle won’t have Luka running the show, but his offenses have almost always been impressive- even though he’s been around long enough to coach in different eras of the game. The Mavericks had one of the top offenses in the history of the NBA in the 2019-2020 season. Carlisle has had a lot of positive reviews over the years for in-game adjustments, and adapting his offense to fit his personnel.
•The Pacers are giving it their best shot. Ownership has been called cheap many times (and the shoe has often fit), but with this hire, the Pacers have made Rick Carlisle the 6th highest-paid coach in the NBA. Even releasing the terms of agreement is a sign that the Pacers mean business. There was nothing cheap about this agreement. And whether it works out or not, this hire guarantees the Pacers are at least putting their chips on the table and giving it their best possible shot for success.
What hiring Rick Carlisle does NOT guarantee:
•Deep playoff runs. Yes, Carlisle has won a title and had several deep playoff runs. He’s also had his fair-share of 1st round exits (including the last six playoff appearances.) This hire doesn’t guarantee anything about playoff success- it just puts the Pacers back in the conversation, especially after last year’s mess.
•Answers about the roster. Carlisle told ESPN that he’d love to see what this roster could do when healthy (don’t we all?). But while his style has fit multiple roster types over his long career, bringing him here doesn’t answer anything about the current roster. We will still be in “wait-and-see” mode for what decisions are made. He had high praise for Myles Turner a few years back, Doug McDermott has played well for him in the past, and you’d have to believe Caris LeVert isn’t going anywhere. But with the 13th pick in the draft, Turbonis questions still looming, and another new system in play: All we know is- we just don’t know.
•A happy fan base and/or team. At last check, 97% of Pacer fans voted “yes” to being happy with this hire on the iPacers Twitter poll question. Carlisle obviously has the nostalgia factor, but winning that championship in Dallas is clearly a big deal as well. But make no mistake about it, this fan base is tired of mediocrity. They’re tired of first-round exits. And there won’t be a long leash for Carlisle (or anyone) in terms of fan happiness. As for the roster? If you believe most reports, these players haven’t been too fond of the last two coaches. Carlisle isn’t here to make friends- He’s here to coach winning basketball. These players will need to “look in the mirror” as Uncle Reggie suggested, if they can’t make things work with a basketball mind like Rick Carlisle.
Considering Carlisle isn’t the most personable guy in the world, I would love to see the Pacers hire a Brian Shaw type as one of the assistants, or another players-coach personality. Building this staff will be very important, but Carlisle and company shouldn’t have a problem getting interest. I also foresee Carlisle and Pritchard working together to build the best possible roster for how he wants to coach this squad. It will be an interesting summer, and it’s off to a great start.
