The Indiana Pacers have parted ways with Head Coach, Nate McMillan, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported.
Official Statement: pic.twitter.com/l9kMqiYEXh
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) August 26, 2020
Pacers had reworked McMillan’s final year on contract for 2020-21 and added a team option for 2021-2022 in form of a soft extension.
Indiana got swept in the first round of the playoffs this season by the Miami Heat. Despite not having All-Star Domantas Sabonis due to an injury, the Pacers put on a good fight but still wasn't enough to get past the Heat.
According to Elias Sports, the Indiana Pacers are the 5th. team in NBA history to lose in the 1st round in 5 consecutive seasons. Despite having great players including Victor Oladipo, Myles Turner and Sabonis, the Pacers just haven't been able to get over the hump in playoffs.
McMillan’s first year with the Pacers was the 2016-17 season. He led the team to the playoffs in all four seasons as head coach, but the team lost in the first round each year. Overall, McMillan compiled a 183-136 record with just a 3-16 mark in postseason play.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Houston Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni will be a target in Indiana’s coaching search if D’Antoni becomes available.
Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni — in the final year of his contract — will be an Indiana target should he become available, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020