Retired players name head coach Rick Carlisle as one of the current NBA coaches they would have liked to play for
The Athletic surveyed more than 100 retired NBA players in a recent poll, asking former pros about a variety of topics related to the modern game.
The ex-NBA players discussed topics including the best current player, the quality of play in today's game, and which active pros would have thrived in past eras. The piece does a fantastic job merging the past and the present.
One of the questions asked to the retirees was about the current crop of head coaches. Respondents were asked: "Which current NBA coach would you have most liked to play for?"
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle received multiple votes in response to this poll question. He was named by just over 2% of the participants in the poll.
Carlisle has led 1,671 games as a head his three-decade plus long career on NBA sidelines. He has been on staff for two different teams that reached the NBA finals, including being an assistant on the 1999-00 Pacers staff. He was, of course, the head coach of the 2011 NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks.
The current Indiana head coach has an 889-782 coaching record. His 889 win ranks 14th all time. Carlisle won the NBA's coach of the year award in 2002.
Carlisle has a style that is unique and makes his teams stand out. Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley shared earlier this season that the way the Pacers chase three-point attempts and the manner in which they battle through the "play after the play" is what makes them a Carlisle team.
Many active coaches were named by just a few retired players in the poll — all but two coaches received 5.4% of the votes or less. The top-two vote getters were Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich, who combined for over 50% of the votes. Former Pacers assistant coach and current Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown received 2.2% of the responses.
Carlisle's Pacers are 28-36 this season, above the expectations most set for them before the campaign. They have a winning record when All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is available to play in games. They will look to grab win 29 on Sunday in Chicago against the Bulls.
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