Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Indiana Pacers, has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt his coaching style over the years, particularly in his approach to point guards. His backcourt running mate in Tyrese Haliburton is another perfect example of this progression. Carlisle was brought in to Indiana to start the 2021-22 season and immediately recognized Haliburton’s special gifts. He created an immediate rapport with him, something that has hugely elevated the team’s overall offensive productivity.
Carlisle’s point guard history is rich, if not a little turbulent. During his short stint in Dallas, he apparently focused on establishing a relationship of trust with coach Jason Kidd. In fact, he never gave Kidd full reins until the middle of their third season together. Based on what he learned from this experience, Carlisle decided to take a different approach with Haliburton. He came into the 2022-23 training camp and informed Haliburton that he didn’t want to run plays anymore. Now this decision is what really let the young guard seize control of the game.
In hindsight, this was a home run of a decision, as Haliburton went on to thrive under Carlisle’s tutelage. The Indiana offense was unstoppable, pouring in 116.7 points per 100 possessions throughout their playoff run. Haliburton’s growth was apparent. He secured his first career double-double average with 20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game.
Carlisle recognized Haliburton’s potential early on. After a slow start to the 2021-22 season, in February 2022, the Sacramento Kings traded him to Indiana in exchange for Domantas Sabonis, going back the other direction. To foster a relationship with his new acquisition, Carlisle set up a dinner between Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson immediately.
Haliburton’s admiration for Carlisle is mutual. He often referred to his coach as a “basketball savant.” He loves the wealth of knowledge and strategy that Carlisle brings to the game. Their relationship has allowed Haliburton to play freely, exemplified by former NBA player J.J. Barea’s observation: “When I see Haliburton playing for Rick, he’s free, man.” Knowing how to pacify that frustration, Barea just noticed Haliburton looks like he really enjoys playing basketball. He plays with tremendous swagger and clocked an unbelievable tempo.
Carlisle’s history with point guards has been somewhat perennial. His relationship with superstar Luka Doncic in Dallas was touch and go for the most part. Coming out on the other side of those experiences and learning from them has already made him a better coach. He reflected on his time with Kidd: “What I learned my first year in Dallas was to give J-Kidd the ball and get out of the way, let him run the show.” This understanding has been key in enabling Carlisle to take Haliburton’s approach to an even deeper level.
Haliburton’s ascent featured a deep dive into his game via film study, a exercise that Carlisle helped him through with great detail. This preparation helped Haliburton know what he could do well. It informed him where he needed to develop. Early in his career, he would review footage of his assists and missed shots, honing his skills and decision-making on the court.
As Carlisle and Haliburton start a long-term partnership together, their chemistry is a glimpse of what good coaching looks like in today’s game. Haralabos Voulgaris commented on their collaboration, stating, “Rick, at this stage of his career in particular, and Haliburton, just seem to be a perfect marriage.” This new partnership is reflective of Carlisle’s ever-adaptive nature as a coach, as well as his ability to get the most out of his players’ abilities.
Tyrese Haliburton’s rise in the league is further proof of the effectiveness of Carlisle’s adaptable coaching style. The 2022-23 season ended becoming a career-defining year for Haliburton. It further magnified his jaw-dropping statistics and the tire-rattling impact that a coach willing to disrupt the status quo can make.
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