Q&A: Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle Opens Up On Finals Run, Offseason

The Indiana Pacers experienced a condensed offseason following their appearance in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals on June 22, where they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Head coach Rick Carlisle noted that the NBA Draft began just three days later, and free agency followed less than a week after that, leaving little time for the team to decompress after their deep playoff run. Carlisle described the quick turnaround as normal for the NBA and expressed pride in the team's effort, calling it a "great year" and a "great run" despite the disappointing Finals outcome.

The 2024-25 postseason validated the Pacers' earlier progress, elevating them to top contenders after skeptics questioned their 2024 Eastern Conference Finals appearance. Built on depth and speed, the team challenged traditional playoff expectations and came within one game of winning the championship, with Carlisle highlighting their underdog status and inspiring competitiveness.

However, the Pacers now face significant roster challenges for the 2025-26 season, as star guard Tyrese Haliburton will miss the entire campaign due to a torn Achilles, and starting center Myles Turner has departed for the Milwaukee Bucks. Carlisle acknowledged that the team must navigate these changes, with plans to reassess their direction for the next two seasons until Haliburton's expected return in 2026-27.

During a Q&A session at a summer league game in Las Vegas, Carlisle addressed the team's future, stating that the Pacers' playoff performance was motivating to fans and that the team "will be fine" despite Turner's exit. He praised Turner as a "stretch big who can protect the rim" and noted the Pacers have multiple options at center, including Isaiah Jackson, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley.