DALLAS, Tx.—Rick Carlisle became the ninth Dallas Mavericks coach in franchise history with his appointment to the job in May.
Carlisle played with the Boston Celtics for three years prior to joining the New York Knicks in 1987, and began his professional coaching career as an assistant with the New Jersey Nets for five seasons before moving to Portland for three as an assistant coach.
His first position as head coach was with Detroit, where he won the coach of the year award in 2002, winning 61 percent of his regular season games with the Pistons.
Carlisle then joined the Indiana Pacers in September 2003. While at Indiana, his winning percentage was 55 percent in regular season play. He led the team to three consecutive postseason appearances before stepping down following the 2006–2007 campaign.
Veterans like Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, and Jason (Jet) Terry like what he has done. These last victories have come even though forwards Jerry Stackhouse and Josh Howard have been out injured.
Carlisle has used his veteran players to cinch the victories, while bringing along new players like Brandon Bass and Puerto Rican sensation Jose Barea.
“There are only 30 head coaches in the NBA. To be one of them where the stakes are so high is an honor,” says Carlisle.
Carlisle appears to be more active from the bench during recent games than when the season started. Where he was once focused intently on the game, with little movement from the bench or emotional display, he is now up and actively barking commands and setting the defense.
Nothing makes him madder than to lose an offensive rebound, or turn the ball over. Nor will he hesitate to replace a player on the court if his expectations are not being met.
And if you are a “cry baby,” you might as well pack your bags. Carlisle expects no more from his players than he does from himself.
In discussing the future of the NBA, Carlisle didn’t hesitate to give his opinion. “It is going to grow and prosper. It is not just an American sport. Basketball is growing around the world, especially in China and Eastern Europe. Competition is better and so are the players. And that is what we are going to do. Get better!”
When asked what the difference was between the people in Dallas and other places he has been, he said, “People in the south are so friendly, the players, team, and management have been so good to my family and me. It gets hot in Texas, but the Maverick fans are hot as well. Texas fans like their Mexican food and their Mavs to win.”
Jason Terry summed up coach Carlisle fairly accurately. “He is a good coach and he knows his business. We are proud to play for him and it is an honor to be a Maverick. His goal is our goal. To play to the best of our ability and compete for the championship.”
Carlisle played with the Boston Celtics for three years prior to joining the New York Knicks in 1987, and began his professional coaching career as an assistant with the New Jersey Nets for five seasons before moving to Portland for three as an assistant coach.
His first position as head coach was with Detroit, where he won the coach of the year award in 2002, winning 61 percent of his regular season games with the Pistons.
Carlisle then joined the Indiana Pacers in September 2003. While at Indiana, his winning percentage was 55 percent in regular season play. He led the team to three consecutive postseason appearances before stepping down following the 2006–2007 campaign.
Coaching Philosophy
“Each individual player has to be coached differently,” said Carlisle, before a pregame practice last week. “Different approaches have to be tried until the group you are coaching can perform at their best potential.”
Dallas won six of their last seven games to finish up November. Carlisle changed his offensive posture during the process, going from a run and shoot philosophy to more of a setup kind of offense.Veterans like Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, and Jason (Jet) Terry like what he has done. These last victories have come even though forwards Jerry Stackhouse and Josh Howard have been out injured.
Carlisle has used his veteran players to cinch the victories, while bringing along new players like Brandon Bass and Puerto Rican sensation Jose Barea.
“There are only 30 head coaches in the NBA. To be one of them where the stakes are so high is an honor,” says Carlisle.
Life as an NBA Coach
“It is hard to be away from the family 40-plus days a season, but they understand what my job and goals are. But it is still hard for my wife Donna and four-year-old daughter Abby to understand completely—especially Abby!
“We are still building a program here in Dallas,” Carlisle continued. “We have to play smart and better defense if we are going to beat the likes of the Lakers in the West and Boston in the East.”Carlisle appears to be more active from the bench during recent games than when the season started. Where he was once focused intently on the game, with little movement from the bench or emotional display, he is now up and actively barking commands and setting the defense.
Nothing makes him madder than to lose an offensive rebound, or turn the ball over. Nor will he hesitate to replace a player on the court if his expectations are not being met.
And if you are a “cry baby,” you might as well pack your bags. Carlisle expects no more from his players than he does from himself.
In discussing the future of the NBA, Carlisle didn’t hesitate to give his opinion. “It is going to grow and prosper. It is not just an American sport. Basketball is growing around the world, especially in China and Eastern Europe. Competition is better and so are the players. And that is what we are going to do. Get better!”
When asked what the difference was between the people in Dallas and other places he has been, he said, “People in the south are so friendly, the players, team, and management have been so good to my family and me. It gets hot in Texas, but the Maverick fans are hot as well. Texas fans like their Mexican food and their Mavs to win.”
Jason Terry summed up coach Carlisle fairly accurately. “He is a good coach and he knows his business. We are proud to play for him and it is an honor to be a Maverick. His goal is our goal. To play to the best of our ability and compete for the championship.”
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