It's been unofficial for a week, but Rick Carlisle and the Mavs have finally come to terms on a deal. It's for four years, and he'll be making more than his predecessor.
The source said the four-year contract is worth more than $4 million a season — slightly more than former coach Avery Johnson’s per-season salary — and would be signed by late Friday or today. A news conference to formally introduce Carlisle as the franchise’s ninth head coach probably won’t be held until Wednesday, the source said, because of Carlisle’s duties as an analyst for ESPN.
Carlisle is going to be bringing in his own staff, so that most likely means no more Mario Elie and Paul Westphal. If Joe Prunty leaves does his wife go with him?
A couple names to keep any eye on are Kevin O'Neill and Chad Forcier who were both assistants under Carlisle in Indiana. Kevin O'Neill was the interim head coach at Arizona last season and Chard Forcier is now an assistant in San Antonio.
Carlisle comes in with a defensive reputation, but Art Garcia says he does study the offensive side of the game.
During his last job as an assistant, Carlisle served as “offensive coordinator” for an Indiana team that reached the NBA Finals. He also spent training camp last October with the Phoenix Suns studying Mike D’Antoni’s offense.
It also sound like Carlisle is looking forward to working with Dirk.
Carlisle’s tour of Mavericks with influence last week took him to the home of last year’s MVP. While discussing strategy and his vision, Carlisle got Nowitzki up off the couch for an impromptu demonstration of Larry Bird post-up moves. Somewhat odd? Sure, but Nowitzki appreciated the enthusiasm.
The optimist in me thinks that is kind of cool, the pessimist in me is thinking it sounds like another coach who wants to make Dirk a post player...
Either way, the Mavs probably got the best coach available, and that's a good thing.