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[SleepingHero]

I think their struggles have much more to do with Halliburton than Carlisle. A year ago, Halliburton looked like the next breakout super star in the league and this season (post hamstring injury) he's not much more than an average or slightly above average PG. If there's one thing that Carlisle system needs, it's good PG play.

I also think there is a stylistic clash on the team. Not sure if Siakam is the best fit next to Haliburton. Seems like Siakam ball (as in more post ups, slower tempo, etc.) is taking over vs. what worked for the majority of the season last year for the Pacers. 

Last season, Pacers had 281 total post ups. It put them at 19th in the league. This season? They're already at 149. Good for 10th most in the league and a number they didn't crack until February last season! 

In terms of pace, they were 2nd in the league at 102.16 last season. This year they are 6th at 101.14. Not a huge drop off but considering everyone got faster, their up-tempo card is not nearly as big of an advantage as it was last year. Especially since they got relatively much slower compared to last year.

Seems like they're just going away from what's working. And there's also the possibility of Carlisle losing the locker room like he did in every stop sans the 10 years with Dirk+Kidd. I don't think Haliburton is close to the maturity or level Dirk was/is to be able to handle Carlisle for an extended period.