The Indiana Pacers are serious about chasing an NBA championship. They proved it on August 19 by renewing head coach Rick Carlisle’s contract, securing the strategist who led the team to its second NBA Finals appearance for the foreseeable future.
Carlisle began his second stint with the Pacers in 2021, initiating a comprehensive rebuild that included the acquisition of Tyrese Haliburton. Since his return, Carlisle has guided Indiana to two Eastern Conference Finals and one NBA Finals-falling just short in June against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Carlisle’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. As a player, he won a championship with the Boston Celtics in 1986. As a coach, he led Dirk Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks to the title in 2011. Now, Pacers fans are hoping he can deliver the same magic in Indiana.
Carlisle’s new contract
NBA insider Marc Stein broke the news of Carlisle’s extension via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has agreed to a multiyear extension after coaching Indiana to last season’s NBA Finals.”
Neither Indiana nor Carlisle has officially confirmed the deal.
While the exact terms remain undisclosed, Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star noted that Carlisle’s previous contract was worth four years and $29 million-suggesting this new deal could be even more lucrative.
The announcement sparked immediate excitement among fans, who flooded social media with celebratory messages. Still, challenges lie ahead for Carlisle and the Pacers, especially with the looming absence of Haliburton next season.
What’s next without Haliburton?
The Pacers’ star point guard played a pivotal role in their 2024-2025 Finals run. With clutch shooting and on-court leadership, Haliburton steered the team through a grueling playoff stretch-only to suffer an Achilles tendon injury in Game 7 against the Thunder.
Reports suggest Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-2026 season, leaving a major void in Indiana’s lineup. But if anyone can steer the ship through adversity, it’s Rick Carlisle. That’s exactly why the Pacers brought him back.
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