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Indiana Pacers: 6 top head coaching candidates to consider

By Corey Rausch

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Nate McMillan and Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers react to a call during the second half against the Miami Heat at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 10: Head coach Nate McMillan and Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers react to a call during the second half against the Miami Heat at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 10, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Indiana Pacers (Photo by Kim Klement – Pool/Getty Images)
Indiana Pacers (Photo by Kim Klement – Pool/Getty Images) /

The Indiana Pacers are looking for a new coach after dismissing Nate McMillan, despite giving him a contract extension weeks ago. Who could be the next?

It came as a surprise to many when the Indiana Pacers decided to part ways with coach Nate McMillan after the team was eliminated. While a sweep against the Miami Heat, a team that some had considered a rival that they would be able to push, is certainly a negative the Pacers, the team was riddled with injuries. Most notably, they lost their All-Star Domantas Sabonis before the return to play.

It is tough to say what else the team could have done. Given the players on the roster (and those who were available in playoff minutes), it seems that the team hit their ceiling. They were without Victor Oladipo for much of the season and struggled with other injuries throughout. The improvement of the players under McMillan has been clear. But the front office decided it was time for a change.

In the defense of the front office, the offense was a definite sticking point. The Pacers under McMillan never finished better than 26th in 3-point attempts and 23rd in free throw attempts. This season they finished dead last in both.

Predictably the top names rumored to be heading to Indiana are offensive minds. The roster and game plan need something of an overhaul if they want to improve on that side of the floor. The looming possibility of a Victor Oladipo trade hangs over this process as well. So who should they consider?

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