DEAL ACCEPTED: Rick Carlisle who is the current Head coach of Indiana pacers is given a contract of $6708.56 Dollar to……… veiw more 

DEAL ACCEPTED: Rick Carlisle Signs Surprise $6,708.56 Contract for Special Development Project

Indianapolis, IN – In one of the most unexpected headlines of the offseason, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has accepted a unique contract deal worth exactly $6,708.56 — but it’s not for coaching the team. The surprisingly low-dollar contract is part of a special player development initiative that Carlisle himself proposed to the front office.

According to a statement released by the Pacers organization, the deal covers Carlisle’s involvement in launching a grassroots mentorship program aimed at identifying and nurturing overlooked basketball talent in Indiana’s rural and inner-city high schools. The specific dollar figure is symbolic, representing the 67 counties and 8 major basketball hubs in the state — a tribute to Indiana’s deep basketball roots.

“This isn’t about money — it’s about building something for the future of Indiana basketball,” said Carlisle. “There’s so much talent out there that never gets seen. We’re changing that.”

The initiative, dubbed “Next Man Up: Indiana Rising”, will involve Carlisle working closely with Pacers player development staff, local coaches, and former NBA pros from the region. The program will host camps, clinics, and even give selected high schoolers exposure to G-League scouts and training facilities.

While the $6,708.56 contract raised eyebrows initially, fans quickly realized the move speaks to Carlisle’s passion and long-term commitment to the Indiana basketball community. Social media buzzed with appreciation, with fans calling it “a coach’s masterclass in legacy-building.”

Pacers President Kevin Pritchard praised the move, saying: “Rick’s vision goes beyond the NBA. He’s planting seeds for the next generation. This is what leadership looks like.”

Carlisle, 64, has already led the Pacers to a 2024 Eastern Conference Finals appearance and continues to reshape the franchise’s identity both on and off the court.

View more on how the “Next Man Up” program is changing lives →

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