Rick Carlisle says Starting 2 Spot is "Mathurin's to Lose" + MORE from RC's interview with Caitlin Cooper
Rick Carlisle interview: Pacers roster clarity and strategy
The latest episode of Setting the Pace breaks down Rick Carlisle’s revealing interview on Caitlin Cooper’s Basketball She Wrote podcast. Host Alex Golden highlights Carlisle’s unexpected transparency about projected starters, rotations, and player roles — especially the announcement that Ben Mathurin is the projected starting two-guard going into training camp. This episode synthesizes what Carlisle said about roster construction, floor spacing, and how the coaching staff plans to manage minutes and foul risk.
Ben Mathurin projected starting two: summer announcement and development plan
Carlisle’s public projection of Mathurin as the starting two sends a confidence signal and creates an early expectation. The team wants to integrate Mathurin’s scoring ability into more ball-handling and action-based sets so he can create rather than only spot-up. This move can boost a contract-year player’s value and set up targeted player development.
Center-by-committee and floor spacing tactics
The Pacers look to use a multi-center plan involving Isaiah Jackson, Jay Huff, and occasional minutes for James Wiseman and Obi Topp. Carlisle emphasized floor-spacing bigs to generate defensive mismatch problems and allow guards to operate from high screens or the dunker spot. Expect more lineup variability and deliberate spacing advantages on offense.
Pascal Siakam’s role and Andrew Nembhard minute management
Carlisle praised Pascal Siakam as a central offensive and defensive leader — a “skeleton key” who can guard multiple players and initiate offense when needed. He also signaled cautious minute planning for Andrew Nembhard due to foul propensity, targeting low-30s minutes and complementary guard minutes from Tyrese and TJ to avoid early foul trouble.
Why this interview matters for Pacers fans and roster watchers
- Carlisle’s openness offers insight into offseason intentions and depth-chart bets.
- Expect training camp battles at center, but a clearer starting lineup at the two-guard.
- Coaching adjustments around foul management and spacing will shape rotations.
Overall, this episode provides a concise roadmap for Pacers offseason priorities: trust a young scorer, value floor spacing, and manage defensive fouls while maximizing Siakam’s versatility. Fans should watch training camp minutes, early-season lineups, and how Carlisle uses action-based sets to amplify Mathurin’s strengths.
