Rick Carlisle one win away from the very exclusive 1000 NBA wins club
Dec 27, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle looks on from the sideline against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
At 66 years old, Rick Carlisle is just one win away from entering NBA history. The Indiana Pacers coach, currently at 999 regular season wins, could reach this historic milestone as early as Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers or Sunday against the Washington Wizards at home.
An exceptional journey despite a record losing streak
Ironically, this race to 1000 wins comes as the Pacers are going through the worst period in their recent history. The team just set a new franchise record with 13 consecutive losses, after their 120-116 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers Tuesday night. With a record of 6 wins and 31 losses, Indiana is heading toward one of the most difficult seasons in its existence.
Carlisle has been stuck at 999 wins since December 8, but this wait does nothing to diminish the recognition from his peers and players. T.J. McConnell, veteran Pacers guard, speaks to his coach’s human impact: « He comes to my house to talk about life and what he thinks can help me on the court. That’s something that stuck with me because he didn’t have to do that. »
This anecdote dates back to the 2024 playoffs, when Carlisle visited McConnell between games against Milwaukee to remotivate him. The result was immediate: 20 points on 7/9 shooting, 9 assists and 4 steals in the next game.
Entering an elite club reserved for legends
With his next win, Carlisle will join an ultra-exclusive circle of only 11 coaches to reach this milestone. He will stand alongside legends like Gregg Popovich (1390 wins, all-time record), Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkens, Jerry Sloan, Pat Riley, George Karl, Phil Jackson, Larry Brown and Rick Adelman. Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks coach, remains the only other active member of this prestigious club.
True to his character, Carlisle refuses to elaborate on this achievement: « I really don’t want to talk about it. I don’t feel comfortable discussing it. » He prefers to mention his mentors Bill Fitch and Chuck Daly, as well as his family, his wife Donna and his daughter Abby.
Despite the Pacers’ current struggles, NBA finalists last June, McConnell promises the team will properly celebrate this milestone: « As players, we need to make sure he’s celebrated for this. He’s not going to escape it, I promise. »
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