Carlisle: We’re a humble organization, but we’ve got to think big

Rick Carlisle’s first press conference as the new coach of the Indiana Pacers.

On the goals for the Myles Turner-Domantas Sabonis duo:

“I really like both guys,” Carlisle said. “When my teams have played them over the last few years, we’ve always felt like it was a physical beating that we were taking with them, both defensively and offensively…I’m looking forward to the challenge of making it work.”

On relationship with the players:

“I think it’s the most important aspect of our job,” Carlisle said. “As I’ve spoken to all of our players here, I’m doing a lot of listening. It’s important to me to understand how these guys see the game. The relationships that you build are really the greatest source of fulfillment in coaching.”

on the goals for next season:

“We need to get back in the playoffs and we need to find a way to win in the playoffs,” Carlisle said. “It’s pretty clear that that’s what the mandate is. “Unless you’ve won a championship, I think there’s always unfinished business. We’re a small-market team. We’re a humble organization. But we’ve got to think big.”

he's back and ready to roll pic.twitter.com/UdlYPO95uF

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) July 1, 2021