Challenges in the Life of Rick Carlisle in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Rick Carlisle. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

1997: Pacers Missed Playoffs for First Time

In 2006-07, the Pacers missed the playoffs for the first time since 1997.

2000: Mavericks Missed Playoffs

In 2013, Rick Carlisle's Mavericks finished 41–41 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

2005: Pacers Roster Decimated by Injuries and Suspensions

In 2005, the Pacers roster was significantly impacted by injuries and suspensions resulting from the Pacers–Pistons brawl. Ron Artest, Stephen Jackson, and Jermaine O'Neal were among those affected, but the Pacers still made the playoffs.

2006: Pacers Barely Made Playoffs

In 2005-06, the Pacers slipped to a .500 record and barely made the playoffs, losing in the first round.

2010: Lost in First Round of NBA Playoffs

In 2010, Rick Carlisle coached the Mavericks to a 55–27 record but lost in the first round to the Spurs in the NBA playoffs.

2013: Mavericks Missed Playoffs

In 2013, Rick Carlisle's Mavericks finished 41–41 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

2014: Lost to Spurs in Playoffs

In 2014, Rick Carlisle led the Mavericks back to the playoffs as the eighth seed, losing in seven games to the San Antonio Spurs, who went on to win the 2014 NBA Finals.

2015: Defeated by Rockets in Playoffs

In 2015, the Mavericks finished 50–32 under Rick Carlisle, but were defeated in five games by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs.

2016: Defeated by Thunder in Playoffs

In 2016, the Mavericks, coached by Rick Carlisle, finished sixth in the Western Conference but were defeated in five games by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2020: Mavericks Made Playoffs

In 2020, the Mavericks made the playoffs for the first time in three years as the 7th seed in the conference, losing in six games to the Los Angeles Clippers. Rick Carlisle was the coach at the time.

2021: Mavericks Lost to Clippers in Playoffs

In 2021, the Mavericks, coached by Rick Carlisle, made the playoffs for the second consecutive year, losing in seven games to the Los Angeles Clippers despite entering as the 5th seed and Division Champions.