The Indiana Pacers are just one win away from an NBA Finals appearance, and this largely has to do with Tyrese Haliburton, who they acquired from the Sacramento Kings in 2022. However, this might not even be the biggest move that led to this run. Instead, the Pacers may have to get more credit for bringing back head coach Rick Carlisle in 2021, who has done an exceptional job of making them title contenders once again.
Carlisle's impact in Indiana has been felt on and off the court. He has done a great job of getting the most out of his players, and he has also been able to evolve as a coach and change with the times. Bringing him back after 14 years away from the franchise was a fantastic decision at the time, and with the Pacers on the brink of making it back to the NBA Finals, it continues to look even better.
Rick Carlisle has been instrumental to the Pacers' success
One of the more overlooked aspects of Carlisle's return to Indiana is that it played a big role in bringing Haliburton to the team. In the 2020 NBA Draft, Carlisle, who was still the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks at the time, was a big fan of Haliburton's and had interest in getting him once he began slipping. It ultimately didn't happen for the Mavericks, but Carlisle got his way regardless after the Pacers acquired the Wisconsin native less than two years later.
Additionally, Carlisle has been able to get the best out of his players, which is a big reason they are in the position they are in. In addition to Haliburton, who has turned into a top point guard in the NBA after joining the Pacers, the New York native has gotten the best out of guys like Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and Obi Toppin.
Carlisle has unlocked the Pacers and has proven time and time again he is capable of getting the most out of any roster. Two seasons ago, the Pacers had a losing record and missed the postseason entirely. Now, they are in the midst of their second consecutive conference finals battle and are in a great spot to make it back to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. A lot of credit deserves to go to players like Haliburton, but it also cannot be overstated just how important Carlisle's return to the franchise has been.