Rick Carlisle is believed to be one of the NBA’s most influential head coaches when it comes to player personnel decisions. Carlisle and the Indiana Pacers signed a multi-year extension this offseason following their appearance in the Finals where they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games. Carlisle was hired by the Pacers during the 2021 offseason.
“From my understanding, behind the scenes, Rick Carlisle is one of the more active coaches in the league when it comes to influence over the roster,” reports Jake Fischer.
Kevin Pritchard and Chad Buchanan have long been entrenched in the front office of the Pacers predating Carlisle’s arrival.
“Carlisle is known around the league to have as formidable of a finger on the Pacers’ roster construction and overall talent evaluation-just roster construction and player scouting and draft evaluations,” added Fischer.