When Nate McMillan was hired as the Pacers head coach few people outside their front office thought he was a good fit. President Larry Bird had just fired Frank Vogel, whose .580 win percentage was the second-highest in team history - behind only Bird himself. Bird had two justifications for firing Vogel: he believed the team needed a new voice and he wanted faster play.
McMillan had seen moderate levels of success as head coach for both Portland and Seattle. His teams have made the playoffs five times and won 50 or more games three times.