Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlise is considered as good a tactician as there is in the sport, on par with Gregg Popovich. When NBA GMs were asked in their annual survey which coach makes the best in-game adjustments, 31 percent named Carlisle (second to Popovich). He’s considered to have an innovative offense that takes advantage of the skills and players in front of him.
Plus, he gets along with owner Mark Cuban — no wonder the Mavericks want to lock him up. Dallas and Carlisle have reached an agreement on a healthy contract extension, reports Marc Stein at ESPN.
ESPN sources: Rick Carlisle and the Dallas Mavericks have finalized a five-year, $35 million contract extension
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 5, 2015
ESPN sources say Carlisle will see out this season & team option Mavs held for next season before new deal takes him through 2021-22 season
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 5, 2015
This means job security for Carlisle, but it also means organizational stability for the Mavericks as they start to transition into the post-Dirk Nowitzki era. Whatever is next, Carlisle is going to be the guy there to guide the franchise through the process.
Also, as the salary cap spikes we keep hearing about how players are going to get a slice of that pie, but coaches — especially established coaches — will want a slice as well.