Image of James Johnson with an inset of Rick Carlisle Credit: Getty Images/Justin Casterline/Paras Griffin

James Johnson comments on what Rick Carlisle does that inspires Indiana Pacers players, ‘he always has…’

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Godwin Mathew | Last updated Mar 30, 2025 4:27 PM ET

Indiana Pacers’ veteran player James Johnson has lauded team head coach Rick Carlisle for his coaching ability.

The Indiana Pacers are currently fourth in the East with a 43-30 record and are looking likely to finish as a top four seed.

The team made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last year after beating the likes of Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks.

Carlisle joined the Pacers in 2021, since then the team has only shown improvements and build a strong playoff team.

With just nine games left, the Pacers are once again looking like a side that can make a deep playoff run and a lot of it is down to the culture Carlisle has brought to the team.

Pacers veteran Johnson has been a part of a Carlisle team before and he believes the championship winning coach has his own way of motivating players that push them to be their best.

Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Johnson lauds Indiana Pacers coach Carlisle

Carlisle came to the Pacers after a successful stint with the Dallas Mavericks where he helped them win their only championship.

Johnson was briefly part of Carlisle’s team in Dallas and heaped praise about him on ‘The Backyard’ podcast.

“We definitely got a legend as a coach. His resume speak for himself but not letting his players settle.

“He always has those little words that get on that certain teammates nerve that end up turning you up, you end up winning the game for us, you know little things like that,” said Johnson.

Indiana Pacers could make another deep playoff run

Pacers have one of the most talented guards in the NBA- Tyrese Haliburton, who is averaging 18.6 PPG and 9.2 APG.

Alongside Haliburton, they also have one of the best wing players in the form of Pascal Siakam who has been shooting a career best 39% from three-point range.

Andrew Nembhard, Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith are also players who add a lot of value to the team with their two-way game.

Coming off the bench for the Pacers are Obi Toppin and TJ McConnell, who have proven that they can put up some big performances when needed.

They have a few veterans like Johnson and Thomas Bryant who have been in the league for a while and played on some good teams as well.

The Pacers also have a perfect blend of youth and experience, which is a good way to create a championship roster.

Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics are leading the way in the East, but apart from these the Pacers are a side that could breakthrough and prove to be strong contenders.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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