Indiana Pacers: The case for and against reuniting with Rick Carlisle

Why the Indiana Pacers should hire Rick Carlisle

History and Familiarity

No one can question Rick Carlisle’s winning pedigree. Boasting a 836-689 coaching record, good for a .548 percent winning percentage while having the third-most wins among active coaches (well, before he got fired), there is no doubt that he can build a winning culture. Alas, he has a championship on his belt—which is more than what the Indiana Pacers have as a franchise.

The franchise and the Indy faithful should also be amicable to Carlisle. After all, he has already served as the coach of the team from 2003 to 2007, even leading the Pacers to a franchise-best 61 wins in his first season with team before moving on to Dallas after three subsequent mediocre seasons.

However, the on-court product of Rick Carlisle is more intriguing. Perennially known as one of the league’s best with in-game adjustments, his penchant for surprising opposing teams with off-putting tactics has put the Mavericks in winning position despite being underdogs.