Indiana Pacers: 3 reasons to believe in the Rick Carlisle hire

Three reasons why to believe in the Rick Carlisle hiring for the Indiana Pacers. 

I think these are words to study if you’re in the business of being a leader, boss, or coach. In this case, coach. Specifically Rick Carlisle, the newest head coach of the Indiana Pacers:

"“The capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence”. —General Montgomery"

A 13-year run came to an end for Carlisle as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks after a first-round exit in the playoffs this season. Whether the Mavs and Carlisle actually agreed to part ways as it was reported, there was indeed something off between the two.

Nevertheless, Carlisle was the greatest coach in Mavericks’ history and I’m sure was very sought after as there were many openings after this season as a few other coaches were either let go or agreed to part ways. The following teams were also seeking a new head coach as well as Dallas after this season, the Celtics, Pelicans, Pacers, Wizards, Blazers, and the Magic. Each choice has its own challenges but also its “pros” if you were making a “pros and cons” list.

Ultimately, Carlisle opted to return to Indiana where he was the head coach from 2003-07. Indiana reportedly signed Carlisle to a deal worth $29 million, plus incentives, to become their head coach. When I heard the news, I was a bit surprised for a few reasons.

One, it’s always strange to me when a coach is rehired by a former team, I get that it was over 10 seasons ago, totally different roster and front office, but still weird. Two, I just assumed that the Celtics would be a natural fit for him. Of all the available coaches, I think he’s the most sought after and successful, and he’s a former Celtic, I figured it would only be a matter of time until he was wearing a green tie with a shamrock pin on his suit doing a press conference. I missed on that one.

Third, I thought the opportunity to coach Zion Williamson in New Orleans or Dame Lillard in Portland would be more enticing than Indiana. Wrong again, but then I thought about the Pacers roster and how it’s constructed, and I eventually talked myself into the Pacers for next season and definitely support Carlisle’s choice to head back to Indiana.

Here are three reasons to believe in Indiana after the hiring of Rick Carlisle.