4 Teams That Will Pursue Rick Carlisle As a Head Coach

Rick Carlisle stepped down from his position as head coach from the Dallas Mavericks after spending 13 seasons with the team and winning an NBA title in 2011. As a free-agent coach, he should draw plenty of interest from playoff caliber teams.

4. Indiana Pacers

The Pacers were a great team when coached by Nate McMillan, but they decided to part ways with him and signed Nate Bjorkgren instead. In just one season, Indiana fired coach Bjorkgren after underachieving. Carlisle would be a terrific fit for Indiana, who has players that are blue-collared studs. Carlisle was Indiana's coach from 2003 to 2007 and found some success with them back then, too.

3. Portland Trail Blazers


The Blazers parted ways with head coach Terry Stotts and could use a veteran replacement like Rick Carlisle, who could maximize the talent on the team. Carlisle is excellent at getting the best from his star players and developing young talent. Having Damian Lillard coached by a mastermind like him could take Portland to another level.

2. Boston Celtics

With Brad Stevens moving into the front office, the Celtics have opened up a coaching position. Carlisle would work wonders for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who have both been improving every season. The Celtics are already an established playoffs team, and Carlisle could help them get to the next step.

1. Milwaukee Bucks

If the Bucks fail to make the NBA Finals again, Mike Budenholzer may be fired. There are reports that he is, in fact, on the hot seat. If that happens, the Bucks are rumored to be interested in Rick Carlisle. Carlisle can surely turn Giannis Antetokounmpo into a winning player and may be even help him find confidence offensively. He would be the perfect replacement for Budenholzer. The Bucks are already a championship caliber team, and Carlisle will give them the push they need to win a title, if they don't this season.