Rick Carlisle

Rick Carlisle
Carlisle in 2011
Indiana Pacers
PositionHead coach
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born (1959-10-27) October 27, 1959 (age 64)
Ogdensburg, New York, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High school
College
NBA draft1984: 3rd round, 70th overall pick
Selected by the Boston Celtics
Playing career1984–1989
PositionShooting guard
Number34, 3, 12
Coaching career1989–present
Career history
As player:
19841987Boston Celtics
1987Albany Patroons
19871988New York Knicks
1989New Jersey Nets
As coach:
19891994New Jersey Nets (assistant)
19941997Portland Trail Blazers (assistant)
19972000Indiana Pacers (assistant)
20012003Detroit Pistons
20032007Indiana Pacers
20082021Dallas Mavericks
2021–presentIndiana Pacers
Career highlights and awards
As player:

As coach:

Career NBA statistics
Points422 (2.2 ppg)
Rebounds141 (0.8 rpg)
Assists201 (1.1 apg)
Stats Edit this at Wikidata at NBA.com
Stats Edit this at Wikidata at Basketball-Reference.com

Richard Preston Carlisle (/ˈkɑːrlaɪl/ KAR-lyle; born October 27, 1959) is an American basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has previously served as head coach of the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). As a player, Carlisle played for the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets. He is also one of only eleven people to win an NBA championship both as a player and as a coach.

Playing career

Carlisle was raised in Lisbon, New York. He attended Lisbon Central High School, then spent a year at Worcester Academy. He played two years of college basketball at the University of Maine from 1979 to 1981, before transferring to the University of Virginia. Carlisle was a starter for the 1982–83 Virginia Cavaliers team that featured the three-time college player of the year Ralph Sampson. UVA was the number one ranked team in the country prior to being defeated by Chaminade on December 23, 1982. In the 1983 NCAA tournament, UVA was the number one seed in the West and made it to the Elite Eight before losing to eventual NCAA national champion North Carolina State. Carlisle was the co-captain on the 1983–84 Cavaliers team and helped lead them to the Final Four where they lost 49–47 in overtime to the Houston Cougars team led by Hakeem Olajuwon. Carlisle averaged 12.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game during his college career.

NBA

After graduating in 1984 Carlisle was selected 70th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1984 NBA draft, where he played alongside Larry Bird. Under Celtics' coach K. C. Jones he won the NBA championship in 1986 and lost in the finals in 1985 and 1987. In the 1986 NBA finals series, in limited playing time, Carlisle made every shot he took (3 for 3).

In a limited reserve role from 1984 to 1987 Carlisle averaged 2.2 points, 1.0 assists and 0.8 rebounds per game. He then played for the Albany Patroons of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) under Bill Musselman. He then signed as a free agent with the New York Knicks, where he played under coach Rick Pitino alongside emerging star Patrick Ewing. In 1989, Carlisle played in five games with the New Jersey Nets under Bill Fitch.

Coaching career

Later in 1989, he accepted an assistant coaching position with the Nets, where he spent five seasons under Bill Fitch and Chuck Daly. In 1994, Carlisle joined the assistant coaching staff with the Portland Trail Blazers under coach P. J. Carlesimo, where he spent three seasons.

In 1997, Carlisle joined the Indiana Pacers organization as an assistant coach under former teammate, Larry Bird. During his time as Pacers assistant coach, he helped the Pacers to two of their best seasons ever. First, in 1997–98, the Pacers stretched the Chicago Bulls to the limit, narrowly losing the deciding seventh game of the Eastern Conference Finals to the eventual NBA champion. Then, in 1999–2000 season, the Pacers made the NBA Finals for the first time, ultimately losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. Bird stepped down as coach, and pushed for Carlisle to be selected as his replacement, but Pacers team president Donnie Walsh gave the job to Isiah Thomas.

Detroit Pistons (2001–2003)

For the 2001–02 season, Carlisle was hired by the Detroit Pistons to be their new head coach. In two seasons as Pistons' head coach, Carlisle led the team to consecutive 50–32 records (.610) with Central Division titles and playoff appearances. He was named Coach of the Year in 2002. However, the Pistons fired Carlisle after the 2002–03 season with a year remaining on his contract and hired Larry Brown. Friction between Carlisle and team ownership was cited as one of the primary reasons for the firing. Carlisle's Pistons had just dispatched Brown's Philadelphia 76ers in the Conference Semifinals before being swept by the New Jersey Nets in the Eastern Conference finals.

Indiana Pacers (2003–2007)

Carlisle with the Pacers in 2005

For the 2003–04 season, Carlisle returned to the Pacers as head coach (Isiah Thomas had been fired, almost immediately after Larry Bird was brought back as the new President of Basketball Operations). In his first season, Carlisle led the Pacers to the Central Division title and NBA's best regular-season record at 61–21 (74.4%), setting a franchise record for wins (both in the NBA and ABA). In the playoffs, the team eliminated both the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, before losing to the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals. That year, he coached the East All-Stars at the All-Star Game.

In 2005, the Pacers roster was decimated by injuries (most notably, those of Jermaine O'Neal, Stephen Jackson and Jamaal Tinsley) and suspensions that were meted out after the Pacers–Pistons brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills, which resulted in Ron Artest being suspended for the rest of the season, Jackson being suspended for 30 games and O'Neal being suspended for 15 games. However, Carlisle was still able to rally the Pacers to the NBA playoffs that season. As the sixth seed, they again defeated the Boston Celtics in the first round, before being defeated once again by the eventual Eastern Conference champion, the Detroit Pistons.

The Pacers slipped to a .500 record in 2005–06 and barely made the playoffs, losing in the first round. Despite this, Bird and Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh did not hold Carlisle responsible for the Pacers' lackluster performances in the past two seasons, and showed it in October 2006 when they signed Carlisle to a multiyear contract extension. The Pacers also gave him the additional title of executive vice president of basketball operations.

After the Pacers finished the 2006–07 season with a 35–47 record (missing the playoffs for the first time since 1997), Bird fired Carlisle as head coach. Carlisle understood the decision, saying that the Pacers needed "a new voice." In four seasons with the Pacers, Carlisle compiled a 181–147 record. The Pacers offered to let Carlisle stay on in the front office, but Carlisle also resigned that post on June 12, 2007.

After leaving Indiana, Carlisle worked as a studio analyst for ESPN before signing with the Dallas Mavericks as the team's new head coach.

Dallas Mavericks (2008–2021)

2008–2018: Dirk Nowitzki era

Carlisle coaching the Mavericks in 2009

On May 9, 2008, Carlisle signed a four-year deal with Mark Cuban's Dallas Mavericks, replacing Avery Johnson. Carlisle adopted a team that consisted of superstar Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, and J.J. Barea.

In the 2009 NBA playoffs, he led the Mavericks to a 50–32 record, including a first round upset win against the San Antonio Spurs. They would eventually lose to the Denver Nuggets 1–4 in the Western Conference semifinals in Carlisle's first year with Dallas.

The next year, he coached the Mavericks to a 55–27 record, first in Southwest Division and second in the Western Conference, but lost in the first round to the Spurs in the 2010 NBA playoffs.

2010–11 season: NBA championship

The 2010–11 season was Carlisle's most successful as a head coach. To strengthen the team, Dallas acquired the services of Tyson Chandler, Peja Stojaković, Corey Brewer, and Ian Mahinmi. An existing core of Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, Caron Butler, and Jason Kidd, the team had clear championship aspirations. To start the season, Dallas won sixteen of its first twenty games in a competitive Western Conference. The Mavericks finished the regular season with a 57–25 win–loss record.

In the first round, he led the team to a 4–2 series win over the Portland Trail Blazers, whose team consisted of LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy, Andre Miller, Gerald Wallace, and Wesley Matthews. On May 8, 2011, they swept the two-time defending champions Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, former Indiana Pacer Ron Artest, and the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals. On May 25, 2011, the Mavericks enjoyed a 4–1 series win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, whose team featured a young core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka. This marked Carlisle's first Conference Finals victory of his coaching career, leading to his first NBA Finals appearance.

In the 2011 NBA Finals, he coached the Mavericks to a 4–2 series victory over the Miami Heat for the franchise's first championship. Carlisle and the Mavericks received extra praise for this series win, defeating the Miami Heat Big Three consisting of Hall of Famers LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. This Heat team also consisted of key players Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mike Bibby, Mike Miller, Mario Chalmers, and Juwan Howard.

2012–2018: Post–championship success

In the 2012 playoffs, the Mavericks lost 0–4 to the Thunder in the first round, who ended up reaching the 2012 NBA Finals to play the Miami Heat. On May 15, 2012, Carlisle agreed to a new four-year deal with the Mavericks.

In 2013, the Mavericks finished 41–41 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

In 2014, Carlisle quickly led the Mavericks back to the playoffs as the eighth seed with a 49–33 record where they would meet their in-state rivals San Antonio Spurs in the first round. The Mavericks lost the series in seven games as the Spurs went on to win the 2014 NBA Finals.

In 2015, the Mavericks finished 50–32, but were defeated in five games by James Harden, Dwight Howard, former Maverick Jason Terry, and the in–state rival Houston Rockets in the first round.

On January 30, 2015, he recorded his 600th win in a game against Chris Bosh, Hassan Whiteside, and the Miami Heat. On November 1, 2015, Carlisle recorded his 340th win as Mavericks coach, passing Don Nelson as the winningest coach in franchise history. Four days later, he signed a new five-year deal with Dallas on November 5, 2015.

In 2016, the Mavericks finished 6th in the Western Conference, but were defeated again in five games, this time by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

On December 2, 2017, Carlisle recorded his 700th win in a game against Lou Williams, DeAndre Jordan, and the Los Angeles Clippers.

2018–2021: Luka Dončić era

During the 2018 NBA draft, the Mavericks selected Luka Dončić with the 3rd overall pick, as well as second round standout Jalen Brunson. In 2019, the team acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kristaps Porziņģis.

In 2020, the Mavericks made the playoffs for the first time in three years as the 7th seed in the conference, losing in six games to Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and the Los Angeles Clippers.

On January 13, 2021, Carlisle recorded his 800th win in a game against LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, and the Charlotte Hornets.

In 2021, the Mavericks made the playoffs for the second consecutive year, again set to play the Los Angeles Clippers. This year, the Mavericks entered as the 5th seed in the Western Conference and as Division Champions, but ultimately fell in game 7 to Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and the Clippers.

On June 17, 2021, Carlisle stepped down as the Mavericks head coach with two years remaining on his contract.

Return to Indiana (2021–present)

On June 24, 2021, Carlisle was hired as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, returning to the franchise for a second stint. His contract was a reported $29M over four years.

Upon Carlisle's arrival in Indiana, the team began a rebuilding process, departing from core players, Domantas Sabonis, Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert, T.J. Warren, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday, and Torrey Craig. During this period, the Pacers notably received young rising superstar Tyrese Haliburton, as well as Obi Toppin, Jalen Smith, Aaron Nesmith, and Jordan Nwora, all selected in the 2020 NBA draft. In addition, the team acquired multiple first–round draft picks, sharpshooter Buddy Hield, as well as veterans Daniel Theis and Tristan Thompson. With their numerous draft picks, the team selected rising star Bennedict Mathurin, as well as Jarace Walker, Andrew Nembhard, Chris Duarte, Isaiah Jackson, and Ben Sheppard. Carlisle and his young team missed the 2022 and 2023 NBA playoffs with a combined 60–104 record.

On October 26, 2023, Carlisle agreed to a multiyear contract extension with Indiana, extending beyond the 2024–25 season.

On November 6, 2023, Carlisle recorded his 900th win in a 41–point blowout win over rookie Victor Wembanyama, Gregg Popovich, and the San Antonio Spurs.

Personal life

Carlisle and his wife have one daughter. He is an avid pianist and private pilot, who as of September 2015 had logged nearly 200 hours flying his Cirrus SR22T single-engine light aircraft.

Head coaching record

Legend
Regular season G Games coached W Games won L Games lost W–L % Win–loss %
Playoffs PG Playoff games PW Playoff wins PL Playoff losses PW–L % Playoff win–loss %
Team Year G W L W–L% Finish PG PW PL PW–L% Result
Detroit 2001–02 82 50 32 .610 1st in Central 10 4 6 .400 Lost in Conference semifinals
Detroit 2002–03 82 50 32 .610 1st in Central 17 8 9 .471 Lost in Conference finals
Indiana 2003–04 82 61 21 .744 1st in Central 16 10 6 .625 Lost in Conference finals
Indiana 2004–05 82 44 38 .537 3rd in Central 13 6 7 .585 Lost in Conference semifinals
Indiana 2005–06 82 41 41 .500 3rd in Central 6 2 4 .333 Lost in first round
Indiana 2006–07 82 35 47 .427 4th in Central Missed playoffs
Dallas 2008–09 82 50 32 .610 3rd in Southwest 10 5 5 .500 Lost in Conference semifinals
Dallas 2009–10 82 55 27 .671 1st in Southwest 6 2 4 .333 Lost in first round
Dallas 2010–11 82 57 25 .695 2nd in Southwest 21 16 5 .762 Won NBA Championship
Dallas 2011–12 66 36 30 .545 3rd in Southwest 4 0 4 .000 Lost in first round
Dallas 2012–13 82 41 41 .500 4th in Southwest Missed playoffs
Dallas 2013–14 82 49 33 .598 4th in Southwest 7 3 4 .429 Lost in first round
Dallas 2014–15 82 50 32 .610 3rd in Southwest 5 1 4 .200 Lost in first round
Dallas 2015–16 82 42 40 .512 2nd in Southwest 5 1 4 .200 Lost in first round
Dallas 2016–17 82 33 49 .402 4th in Southwest Missed playoffs
Dallas 2017–18 82 24 58 .293 4th in Southwest Missed playoffs
Dallas 2018–19 82 33 49 .402 5th in Southwest Missed playoffs
Dallas 2019–20 75 43 32 .573 2nd in Southwest 6 2 4 .333 Lost in first round
Dallas 2020–21 72 42 30 .583 1st in Southwest 7 3 4 .429 Lost in first round
Indiana 2021–22 82 25 57 .305 4th in Central Missed playoffs
Indiana 2022–23 82 35 47 .427 4th in Central Missed playoffs
Career 1,689 896 793 .530   133 63 70 .474  

This page was last updated at 2024-01-24 11:32 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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