The Indiana Pacers shocked the NBA world when they let head coach Frank Vogel walk by not renewing his contract. They made another surprising decision by hiring Nate McMillan to take over for Vogel. Apparently, the team is looking to add another surprising hire to its coaching ranks, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.
Interesting twist in the coaching game: Sources say Indiana has expressed interest in hiring Nick Van Exel to join Nate McMillan's staff.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 24, 2016
Nick Van Exel is coming off his first season as @TexasLegends head coach in the @NBADLeague. Also hearing the Pacers aren't his sole suitor.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) May 24, 2016
Nick Van Exel led the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League to a 23-27 record in the regular season in his first season on the job. The 44-year-old has experience coaching in the NBA, working as a player development and assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Buck, respectively.
The 13-year NBA player seems to have created a great reputation for himself as a coach. His long-standing experience as a player and coach at various levels could be very beneficial to any team willing to give him a chance.
According to Stein, the Pacers are not the only team looking for Van Exel’s services, but they appear to have the best chance of hiring him at this point.
