Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is one of the most accomplished and experienced coaches currently patrolling the sidelines in NBA games.
The 64-year-old mentor won an NBA championship in 2011 and an NBA Coach of the Year award in 2002. He also coached the Eastern Conference All-Stars in the 2004 NBA All-Star game.
Let's take a look at the career of Rick Carlisle, as well as the teams he has coached.
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Rick Carlisle playing career
Carlisle had a modest but respectable playing career in the NBA. A point guard, he played for three teams (Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets) throughout five seasons from 1984 to 1989.
He won an NBA championship as a reserve for the Celtics in 1986. In his playing career, spanning 188 games, Carlisle posted averages of 2.2 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
While he didn't amass eye-catching statistics, his contributions on the court laid the groundwork for a successful transition to coaching, where he has made a more significant impact in the basketball world.
Rick Carlisle coaching career
Assistant years (1989 - 2000)
In 1989, Rick Carlisle began his coaching career as an assistant with the Nets, spending five seasons under Bill Fitch and Chuck Daly.
He moved to the Portland Trail Blazers in 1994 under P.J. Carlesimo for three seasons.
In 1997, Carlisle joined the Indiana Pacers as an assistant coach under Larry Bird, contributing to the team's impressive runs in the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals and the 2000 NBA Finals.
Detroit Pistons (2001 - 2003)
Hired as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons for the 2001-02 season, Carlisle achieved consecutive 50-32 records, clinching Central Division titles and playoff berths.
Despite earning Coach of the Year honors in 2002, he was dismissed by the Pistons after the 2002-03 season due to reported friction with team ownership, despite recent success in the playoffs.
Indiana Pacers (2003 - 2007)
For the 2003-04 season, Carlisle returned to the Pacers as head coach, leading them to the Central Division title and the NBA's best regular-season record at 61-21 in his first season. They reached the Eastern Conference Finals but fell to the Detroit Pistons.
In 2005, despite a roster marred by injuries and suspensions following the Pacers-Pistons brawl, also known as Malice at the Palace, Carlisle guided the team to the playoffs, defeating the Boston Celtics in the first round before succumbing to the Pistons.
Despite slipping to a .500 record in 2005-06, Carlisle received a contract extension and an additional title of basketball operations executive vice president.
However, after the Pacers missed the playoffs in 2006-07, Carlisle was fired by Larry Bird, finishing his tenure with an 181-147 record.
Dallas Mavericks (2008 - 2021)
Carlisle briefly worked as a studio analyst for ESPN before becoming the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks in 2008. He oversaw the team's most successful period in its history.
The renowned tactician guided the team to numerous playoff appearances, notably leading them to victory in the 2011 NBA Finals in an upset against the heavily favored Miami Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
Under his leadership, the Mavericks became known for their strong defensive play and efficient offensive strategies.
Carlisle coached several all-time greats as the Mavs head coach, notably Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic.
Indiana Pacers (2021 - present)
In June 2021, Carlisle returned for his second stint as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, signing a reported $29 million four-year contract.
Under Carlisle's leadership, the team began rebuilding, parting ways with key players like Domantas Sabonis and Malcolm Brogdon.
During this restructuring period, the Pacers acquired the emerging star Tyrese Haliburton, who achieved All-Star status in 2023 and became the franchise's centerpiece.
Carlisle signed a multi-year extension to remain as Pacers coach in 2023 and beyond.
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