Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rick Carlisle

How Rick Carlisle built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Rick Carlisle is an American basketball coach and former player currently head coach of the Indiana Pacers. Previously, he coached the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks. As a player, he was with the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets. Notably, he is one of a select few to have won an NBA championship as both a player and a coach, marking a significant achievement in his career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1984: Reserve Role with Celtics

From 1984 to 1987, Rick Carlisle played a limited reserve role for the Boston Celtics.

1984: Drafted by Boston Celtics

In 1984, Rick Carlisle was selected 70th overall by the Boston Celtics in the NBA draft.

1986: NBA Championship with the Celtics

In 1986, Rick Carlisle won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics.

1987: Played for Albany Patroons

From 1984 to 1987, Rick Carlisle played a limited reserve role for the Boston Celtics. He then played for the Albany Patroons of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA).

1989: Played for New Jersey Nets

In 1989, Rick Carlisle played in five games with the New Jersey Nets.

1989: Assistant Coaching Position with Nets

Later in 1989, Rick Carlisle accepted an assistant coaching position with the New Jersey Nets.

1994: Joined Portland Trail Blazers as Assistant Coach

In 1994, Rick Carlisle joined the assistant coaching staff with the Portland Trail Blazers.

1997: Joined Indiana Pacers as Assistant Coach

In 1997, Rick Carlisle joined the Indiana Pacers organization as an assistant coach.

1999: Pacers Stretch Bulls to Limit

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. In 1999, Rick Carlisle helped coach this Pacers team as an assistant coach.

2000: Pacers Made NBA Finals

In the 1999–2000 season, the Indiana Pacers made the NBA Finals for the first time, ultimately losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. Rick Carlisle was an assistant coach at the time.

2001: Hired by Detroit Pistons as Head Coach

In 2001, Rick Carlisle was hired by the Detroit Pistons to be their new head coach.

2002: Named Coach of the Year

In 2002, Rick Carlisle was named Coach of the Year while coaching the Detroit Pistons.

2003: Returned to Pacers as Head Coach

In 2003, Rick Carlisle returned to the Indiana Pacers as head coach.

2005: Signed Contract Extension with Pacers

In 2005, despite a lackluster performance, the Pacers signed Rick Carlisle to a multiyear contract extension and gave him the title of executive vice president of basketball operations.

June 12, 2007: Resigned from Front Office Post

On June 12, 2007, Rick Carlisle resigned from his post in the Pacers' front office.

May 9, 2008: Signed with Dallas Mavericks

On May 9, 2008, Rick Carlisle signed a four-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks, replacing Avery Johnson as head coach.

2011: NBA Finals Victory with Mavericks

In 2011, Rick Carlisle coached the Dallas Mavericks to a 4–2 series victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, securing the franchise's first championship.

May 15, 2012: Agreed to New Deal with Mavericks

On May 15, 2012, Rick Carlisle agreed to a new four-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks.

January 30, 2015: Recorded 600th Win

On January 30, 2015, Rick Carlisle recorded his 600th win in a game against the Miami Heat.

November 1, 2015: Winningest Coach in Mavericks History

On November 1, 2015, Rick Carlisle recorded his 340th win as Mavericks coach, surpassing Don Nelson as the winningest coach in franchise history.

November 5, 2015: Signed New Deal with Dallas

On November 5, 2015, Rick Carlisle signed a new five-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks.

December 2, 2017: Recorded 700th Win

On December 2, 2017, Rick Carlisle recorded his 700th win in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

January 13, 2021: Recorded 800th Win

On January 13, 2021, Rick Carlisle recorded his 800th win in a game against the Charlotte Hornets.

June 17, 2021: Stepped Down as Mavericks' Head Coach

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

June 24, 2021: Hired as Head Coach of Indiana Pacers

On June 24, 2021, Rick Carlisle was hired as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, marking his third stint with the franchise and second as head coach.