Lloyd Pierce Eyes NBA Head Coaching Return After Finals Experience

OKLAHOMA CITY – As Indiana Pacers lead assistant coach Lloyd Pierce stands on the sideline during his first NBA Finals, he is already thinking about a potential return to head coaching. It wasn’t long ago that Pierce served as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. Currently, with two head coaching positions open, he believes his experience under head coach Rick Carlisle has prepared him for his next opportunity.

“I want to propel an organization to where we are right now, the NBA Finals,” Pierce told Andscape. “Every competitor struggles with the day they were let go. Everything moving forward is about self-awareness and proving it to yourself.”

Pierce has been with the Pacers since 2021 and aims to help lead them to their first NBA championship since merging into the league in 1976. The Pacers will go against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Finals Thursday night.

Before his time with the Pacers, Pierce coached the Hawks from 2018 to 2021, where his record was 63-120. He had notable players like All-Star Trae Young under his supervision. Pierce also spent time coaching with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and Philadelphia 76ers. He assisted the USA Basketball men’s team to a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Rick Carlisle, who previously led the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA title in 2011, believes Pierce deserves another chance as a head coach. “He’s a great leader and communicator,” Carlisle said. “There’s no question that he will be a head coach again soon.”

Pierce reflected on key factors for the Pacers’ success. “Our players trust us. We believe in our players, and they feel it,” he said. “Earned trust led to our successful run this season.”

Pierce emphasized the importance of communication and evolving as a coach. He acknowledged, “You can never over-communicate your messaging, especially if a player is struggling with their role.”

The Indiana Pacers are looking to secure their first championship in 25 years and Pierce’s experience is valuable as they prepare for the finals. It remains to be seen how this series will shape the future of Pierce’s coaching career.