Pacers Make Decision on Former Mavericks Coach After Rick Carlisle News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 1:59 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers enter the 2025-26 season with both optimism and uncertainty after a busy summer. The franchise suffered a significant setback when longtime center Myles Turner departed in free agency to join the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving a void in the frontcourt.

To add to that challenge, the Pacers must now prepare for life without All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, whose Achilles tear during Game 7 of the 2024-25 NBA Finals will sideline him for an extended period. With their top playmaker unavailable for the start of the season, Indiana is adjusting its approach. Part of that adjustment includes reshaping its coaching staff ahead of the campaign.

Pacers Announce New Assistant Coach After Extending Rick Carlisle

Indiana moved swiftly to reinforce its leadership structure this offseason by extending head coach Rick Carlisle (via NBA.com), signaling confidence in the veteran coach who has guided the team to consecutive deep playoff runs. Three days later, the Pacers announced the departure of assistant coach Mike Weinar, who left the organization in what was described as a mutual agreement.

To fill out Carlisle’s staff, the Pacers have reportedly hired Johnny Carpenter, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

The Indiana Pacers have added Johnny Carpenter as an assistant coach on head coach Rick Carlisle’s staff. Carpenter spent last season with the Grizzlies. He worked for the University of Virginia for nine years. Prior to Virginia, he worked for the Mavericks under Carlisle. pic.twitter.com/hm7LyFUgC1
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 25, 2025

Carpenter spent last season with the Memphis Grizzlies and previously worked at the University of Virginia for nine years, contributing to the Cavaliers’ reputation for strong player development and defensive identity.

Before his collegiate tenure, Carpenter worked under Carlisle with the Dallas Mavericks, providing a direct connection that should ease his transition into Indiana’s system. His familiarity with Carlisle’s coaching style and emphasis on structure is expected to be an asset for a team managing significant roster and health challenges. The Pacers hope Carpenter’s addition will provide valuable support as they look to sustain their momentum in a competitive Eastern Conference.

Pacers Preparing for 2024-25 Season Without Tyrese Haliburton

The Pacers enter the new season having reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024 and NBA Finals last season, but injuries and roster turnover present fresh challenges. Without Haliburton, the team will likely rely heavily on Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard to carry the backcourt load.

The loss of Turner makes their interior defense less formidable, though Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin offer stability in the frontcourt. Indiana believes Haliburton can return later in the year, but until then, their depth and coaching adjustments will be tested. How well Carlisle and his revamped staff manage the early stretch could define their season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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