Indiana Pacers: 3 qualities to look for in the new head coach

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 29: Mike D’Antoni of the Houston Rockets yells to his team against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at the Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Winning pedigree

Nate McMillan was always a very good regular season coach who could not get the job done when it mattered. He has a career record of 661-588 in the regular season, including three 50-win seasons prior to taking over the Pacers. However, the playoffs tell a different story for the former head coach.

McMillan has been to the playoffs nine times as a head coach but has just one series win. In those nine appearances, McMillan’s teams are 17-36. The Pacers went to the playoffs four times under McMillan, winning just three games and getting swept three times. His final playoff record with Indiana was a humiliating 3-16.

There is no denying that this roster is capable of making a deep playoff run. If Oladipo stays in Indiana and can return to his old self, the Pacers have a loaded starting lineup with plenty of contributors on the bench. All they need is someone who can lead them to the promised land.

Finding a head coach with a winning background is difficult because they do not hit the market very often. With Mike D’antoni taking the Rockets deep into the Western Conference playoffs once again, it is hard to imagine he will be available this offseason.

The Pacers will do their research, I’m sure, but time is ticking. They need to find a head coach that can lead this team deep into the playoffs.

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