“Torrey is known for toughness, defense and being a great team guy,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard. “As a player who went undrafted, Torrey got to where he is through hard work and perseverance. He will be a great addition to our depth and our emphasis on defense.”
Kevin Pritchard Rumors
On the courts in Vegas for summer league, the reunion has started to feel real. After so much tumult, the franchise is turning to an exacting coach who returns with a ring on his finger and the credentials to demand more out of a roster that has bucked against authority over the last two years. And Carlisle is finding comfort in turning to a home away from home, the place where his daughter was born and he earned the undying support of hallowed former executives Walsh and Larry Bird. “He’s got deep relationships, marrow-deep to people in this organization,” Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard said. “Those relationships mean a lot to us.”
Kevin Pritchard: Edmond Sumner will be back with Pacers next season
Tony East: I asked Kevin Pritchard about Edmond Sumner’s team option, which the Pacers have to decide on by tomorrow: “Ed will be back with the team. He had a great year.”
Scott Agness: Kevin Pritchard says this year’s search went much different than in Oct. They were planning on a wide search, but then Carlisle became available and there was mutual interest from the beginning. Two focuses: multi-year experience, championship pedigree.
All it took was a phone call with current president Kevin Pritchard and an agreement materialized quickly. “Familiarity with the organization is the a plus for me,” Carlisle, who signed a four-year, $29 million deal, told IndyStar late Thursday night in a phone conversation. “When you’re asked to come back to the same place a third time, that’s a special.”
Carlisle has talked with most of his players already. He didn’t speak with Sabonis, who is with the Lithuanian national team. “I had relevant, constructive conversations about the situation,” he said. “I like the tone. I like the way these guys are talking. It sounds like a group that’s ready to make some sacrifices.”
“Rick is a proven winner with a championship and will be a Hall of Fame coach,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard. “He has demonstrated throughout his career an ability to build something with sustainable success. He has great respect for our franchise and our fans from his previous times here. We are very happy to welcome him back to Indiana.”
