Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle Responds to Criticism of NBA Play Style
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle isn’t buying into the criticism that NBA teams have become too similar in their playing styles.
The Pacers are known for their fast-paced approach, often pushing the ball up the court quickly to score before opposing defenses can set up. While they do take a significant number of three-pointers, they also mix in midrange shots, setting them apart from many other teams that rely solely on layups or three-pointers.
Some critics have argued that too many teams in the NBA play in a similar fashion, but Carlisle isn’t convinced by that perspective. In an interview with Caitlin Cooper of Basketball, She Wrote, he shot down the idea of a homogenized league.
“I disagree with that,” Carlisle said. “I’ve been in this game for almost 24 years as a head coach, and things have changed a lot. I think high pick-and-roll at the end of games is something we’ll always see in some form.”
Carlisle believes that the people voicing these criticisms are simply looking for something to complain about.
“I’d chalk that up to people who have a glass-half-empty view of things. I can’t see the game like that, and I can’t see our team like that,” he added.
The Pacers’ style of play is far from ordinary, with a range of offensive options that make it hard to label them as just a team that shoots layups or threes. Their randomness on offense is by design, with Carlisle aiming to make his team unpredictable and difficult for opponents to prepare for.
At times, Tyrese Haliburton might run a high pick-and-roll. Other times, the ball could be fed to Pascal Siakam in the post, or Andrew Nembhard might take a midrange jumper after driving to the paint.
This variety shows that NBA teams still have diverse approaches, and the Pacers’ blend of different strategies sets them apart. Carlisle has been intentionally building this unique style for years, and while other teams have their own offensive philosophies, the Pacers remain one of the most unpredictable teams in the league.
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