Rick Carlisle is a former professional basketball player and current head coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball at the University of Maine and was selected by the Boston Celtics in the third round of the 1984 NBA draft.
Carlisle played for five different NBA teams during his playing career, which spanned from 1984 to 1990. He was primarily a backup point guard and played a total of 339 games, averaging 2.2 points and 1.0 assists per game.
After retiring as a player, Carlisle began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the New Jersey Nets in 1994. He then served as an assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers before being hired as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons in 2001.
Carlisle led the Pistons to the Eastern Conference Finals in his first season as head coach, but was fired after the team was swept in the first round of the playoffs the following year. He then spent one season as an assistant coach for the Pacers before being hired as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks in 2008.
Under Carlisle's leadership, the Mavericks won the NBA championship in 2011, defeating the Miami Heat in six games. Carlisle was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2002 and has been selected to coach the NBA All-Star Game four times.
Throughout his coaching career, Carlisle has been known for his ability to develop young players and his emphasis on team defense. He has also been praised for his strategic coaching style and his ability to make in-game adjustments.
In addition to his coaching career, Carlisle has also been involved in various charitable organizations. He founded the Hoops for Heroes program, which provides financial assistance to military families, and has also been involved with the Special Olympics and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Overall, Rick Carlisle has had a successful career in both playing and coaching basketball. He has won an NBA championship as a head coach and has been recognized for his coaching abilities by his peers and the media.
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