USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle reacts during the third quarter against the LA Clippers in game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 30, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle reacts during the third quarter against the LA Clippers in game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
After spending over a decade at the American Airlines Center, coach Rick Carlisle is leaving the Dallas Mavericks. This comes as a shock to a lot of fans, as there were no rumors about him leaving. Carlisle led the Mavericks to their only NBA championship, and is now ready to lead the charge elsewhere.
Many championship contending teams are looking for a new coach heading into the upcoming season. So let’s look at the top three teams who should target coach Carlisle in the summer.
Boston Celtics
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Coach Brad Stevens’ spot has been unoccupied ever since his promotion to GM. Carlisle is likely to be a name they will target since he can rejuvenate the Celtics offense. He began his playing career with the Celtics back in 1982 and could be interested in returning to where his NBA journey began.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 9, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after making a shot during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Carlisle had one young star in Luka Doncic back in Dallas, and he could be leading an exciting duo in Boston with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. They have a promising young core alongside them, and that could entice Carlisle to the Celtics.
READ MORE – BREAKING: Celtics Trade Kemba Walker to Thunder With Brad Stevens Making His First Move as GM
Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers are another team with a head coach vacancy. They fired Terry Stotts after yet another first-round exit and are now ready to change it up. Carlisle will be a name on their radar, as they aim to find the perfect coach for their star man Damian Lillard.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 16, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) prepares to shoot a free throw during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Carlisle was an assistant coach for the Blazers for three years in the 1990s and could be eager for a reunion. This will be a more experienced team as compared to the Celtics and a much older team too. Carlisle is known for being an offensive minded coach. So he could get the best out of Damian Lillard and push him towards an MVP status and possibly bring home a ring in the process.
Milwaukee Bucks
The final name on the list are the Milwaukee Bucks. There are rumors that their current coach Mike Budenholzer will be replaced in the event of another playoff failure. So if that happens, Carlisle will be a name they will target.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The 61-year-old led the Mavericks to a then-historic offense in the 2019-20 season. The Bucks had a similar campaign this season, so that means this could be a perfect union for them. He will have a two-time MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo and also two strong pieces alongside. That is enough to sway any potential coach.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
There are other teams linked with Carlisle too. Let us know who you think will rope in the two-time NBA champion this offseason.
WATCH THIS STORY – John Wall-Bradley Beal, LeBron James-Kyrie Irving & Other NBA Brotherhood Moments
