Photo Credit: AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Rick Carlisle Cried Tears Of Joy During Emotional Video Tribute Before His First Game Back In Dallas

On June 17, 2021, Rick Carlisle stepped down as Dallas Mavericks head coach after more than 13 years.

Carlisle, who took over von Avery Bradley in 2008, was part of the franchise’s biggest success – winning the 2011 NBA Championship.

Last night, Carlisle, who is in charge of coaching the Indiana Pacers now, was back in Dallas for the first time. Before the game between the Mavericks and the Pacers, the Mavs showed a video tribute to Carlisle on the Jumbotron.

Carlisle appreciated it a lot and reacted very emotionally, balling his eyes out in the process. 

“I wasn’t expecting that. The only other time I’ve felt that kind of emotional moment was when we raised the banner for the first game of the lockout-shortened season of 2011-12. It was the same kind of feeling, but I was not expecting anything like that. It was a wonderful gesture and much appreciated.”