Indiana Pacers: Exploring 3 big questions heading into the 2020 offseason

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 18: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers reacts after a hard foul against the Miami Heat during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 18, 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 Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 18: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers reacts after a hard foul against the Miami Heat during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 18, 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 Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
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NBA Mike D’Antoni (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Who will the team hire as the next head coach?

There have been a lot of names thrown around for the Indiana Pacers head coaching job. The most common has been the Houston Rockets‘ head coach Mike D’Antoni. D’Antoni is in the last year of his contract with the Rockets but is expected to be relieved of his duties at the end of the season.

He would be a fun addition to the Pacers. For the past 20 years, Indiana has had mostly defensive-minded coaches. D’Antoni would allow the Pacers to see that new modern style of offense that the front office has long coveted. D’Antoni will not come cheap though and the Pacers are infamous for not spending money.

The more likely option is that the Pacers find a young assistant and hope that they found the next Nick Nurse. Some other names that are being thrown around are Brett Brown, Kenny Atkinson, and Mark Jackson thus far.

Keep in mind, there will almost certainly be other candidates before a new coach is named.