In a move that caught the attention of the NBA community, former Indiana Pacers head coach and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, now serving as President and Head Coach of the upstart Saginaw Soul in the National Basketball Development League, has reportedly sent a stunning and heartfelt message to current Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle following Indiana’s Eastern Conference Finals exit.
The Message: “Don’t Lose What Indiana Basketball Was Built On”
According to sources familiar with the exchange, Thomas—who coached the Pacers from 2000 to 2003—sent a private but passionate message to Carlisle urging him to “protect the soul of Indiana basketball” and warning against a full shift toward “modern flash” at the expense of the franchise’s traditional hard-nosed identity.
“Indiana basketball was built on grit, defense, and unity. Don’t lose that chasing trends,” Thomas reportedly wrote. “I love what this team has accomplished, but there’s a legacy here — don’t let that fade.”
Why Now?
The Pacers, led by All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, just wrapped a stunning playoff run that reignited fan support and national respect. But some critics — including old-school NBA voices — have questioned whether the team has leaned too heavily into offense, spacing, and finesse, drifting from the franchise’s historical roots of physical, defensive-first basketball.
Thomas’ message comes as Carlisle and the front office begin a crucial offseason, where decisions must be made about roster identity, particularly with players like Pascal Siakam entering free agency.
Carlisle’s Response
When asked about the message during a media availability session, Rick Carlisle smiled and offered a composed but pointed response:
“I’ve always respected Zeke. He knows this franchise, and I know where he’s coming from. We want to honor the past — but we also want to define the future.”
Carlisle acknowledged that building a championship team in today’s NBA requires balance — and that while the Pacers have evolved stylistically, they’re still striving to instill toughness and accountability in the locker room.
Isiah’s New Voice from Saginaw
Isiah Thomas, who recently took over the Saginaw Soul, a rising team in the NB Development League, has used his platform to mentor young talent and advocate for the return of “principled basketball.” His message to Carlisle wasn’t just nostalgic — it was part of a broader call to NBA franchises to remember their roots while building forward.
“Culture doesn’t get old,” Thomas said in a recent podcast. “It just gets forgotten when winning gets trendy.”
Final Thoughts
While the Pacers appear to be in excellent hands under Carlisle, Thomas’ message is a reminder of how deeply connected the franchise’s identity is to its past. As Indiana prepares for what could be a defining offseason, the challenge now becomes blending evolution with tradition — and proving that the new-look Pacers can win their way.
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