The playoffs are slowly slipping away for the 27-33 Dallas Mavericks, and as a result head coach Rick Carlisle is starting to show some frustration. Injuries and inconsistent play have forced Carlisle to use 19 different starting lineups in 60 games this season, which is the most in the league and six more than the Mavs used all of last season.
Carlisle met with the media on Friday morning and was asked about all the different lineup combinations he has gone with. We’re merely speculating here, but it sounds like the question rubbed him the wrong way.
Carlisle: “I’m tired of hearing about 19 starting lineups being a lot. I had 31 one year, so you guys can all go f— yourselves.”
— Ross Witte (@RJWitt1041) March 8, 2013
As Ball Don’t Lie pointed out, that stat is accurate. Carlisle used 31 different lineups during the 2005-2006 season when he coached the Indiana Pacers, so the shuffling is nothing new for him. But don’t take his foul language personally.
RT @eks_mavsnba: Carlisle: “…and I mean that in the most endearing way.”
— Ross Witte (@RJWitt1041) March 8, 2013
Since Carlisle has been known to kick a ball into the stands in anger and swear during postgame press conferences, we aren’t really surprised he would take a foul tongue with reporters. Having said that, it’s not every day a coach straight up tells the press to go f*** themselves. Happy Friday, everyone.
