3 significant changes ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season and predicting their impact going forward

#2 Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd during a Utah Jazz v Dallas Mavericks game

With whispers of internal turmoil between Rick Carlisle and NBA superstar Luka Doncic, the writing was on the wall for a departure this offseason. The true shock came when Jason Kidd was elected as his replacement.

Kidd's first coaching opportunity came with the Brooklyn Nets in 2013-14, when the team went 44-38. After some turmoil revolving around Kidd getting through to the then veteran roster, which included Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, Kidd was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.

During his subsequent three seasons with the Bucks, the team posted a positive record on one occasion. He coached just 45 games in 2017-18 for Milwaukee and posted a win percentage of 51 percent.

Mike Budenholzer would fill his vacancy next season and secure a 60-22 record, good for a win percentage of 73.2 percent. Giannis Antetokounmpo was also awarded the Most Valuable Player of the season. Giannis was vocal about his disagreements when moving on from Kidd, but players liking a coach isn't enough.

Kidd spent one season without an NBA coaching job before being brought on as an assistant for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has shown no indication of being a good NBA coach, but we will see how he pans out with the Dallas Mavericks.

#1 Rick Carlisle

Carlisle during New Orleans Pelicans v Dallas Mavericks

Rick Carlisle resigned from his position as head coach of the Dallas Mavericks after carrying the title for thirteen seasons. That type of longevity is hard to find in modern times, and Carlisle remained in charge because of his results that included an NBA Championship in 2011.

When Carlisle supposedly grew uneasy with his position in Dallas, it was expected that he would quickly land another opportunity if he wanted it. He has thirty years of prior coaching experience, with the first eleven as an assistant, including three years with the Indiana Pacers as an assistant and four as the head coach. That was nearly a decade ago now, but Carlisle has adapted to the modern game.

Indiana likely regretted moving on from Nate McMillian in favor of greener pastures in the form of Nate Bjorkgren as that decision proved costly. It's easy to label the transition to Rick Carlisle as a clear upgrade for a team that has complicated roster construction and lacks identity.

It's rare to see this dramatic of a coaching change, but Rick Carlisle's veteran experience and proven value could be just the change the Indiana Pacers needed.