Pacers reportedly interested in hiring Nick Van Exel as assistant coach

The Indiana Pacers are working to assemble the staff of newly-promoted head coach Nate McMillan, and one of the names they are considering is one that you probably haven’t heard in awhile: Nick Van Exel.

According to a report by Marc Stein of ESPN on Tuesday, the Pacers are interested in hiring Van Exel as an assistant to McMillan.

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

Van Exel, 44, is best known for his 13-year playing career in the NBA where he earned a reputation as a spunky score-and-dish point guard with a smooth lefty jumper. He made one All-Star team in 1998 and is remembered as one of the more underrated talents of his generation.

The post-playing days have been good to Van Exel as well as he is currently the head coach of the Texas Legends, the NBA D-League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Bucks in the 2012-13 season, and, prior to that, worked in player development for the Atlanta Hawks.

By selecting a figure who has been around the sport in a number of different capacities over the years, the Pacers could be making a Van Excellent hire.

Image via Texas Legends on YouTube