Rick Carlisle Parts Ways With Mavericks

Rick Carlisle, the veteran coach who led the Dallas Mavericks to its 2011 title, has decided not to return to the team next year, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The move is just the most recent in a flurry of head coach firings and resignations.

Rick Carlisle — who led Dallas to the 2011 NBA championship — informed Mavericks owner Mark Cuban today that he won’t be returning as coach next season, Carlisle told ESPN. Carlisle had two years left on his contract. He spent 13 seasons as Mavericks coach.

Carlisle’s decision comes the day after Dallas came to a mutual agreement with general manager Donnie Nelson regarding Nelson’s continued role with the franchise. Nelson had been the Mavs’ GM for 24 seasons. According to Tim McMahon of ESPN, Nelson’s departure was due to internal factors.

Nelson’s departure comes after internal friction due to the increasing decision-making influence of Mavericks director of quantitative research and development Haralabos Voulgaris, sources told ESPN.

Voulgaris, a former professional gambler hired by the Mavs in 2018, has reported directly to owner Mark Cuban and communicated directly with coach Rick Carlisle despite Nelson’s objections, sources said.

Of note to Rip City: Former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts served on Carlisle’s staff prior to being hired by the Blazers.