The Indiana Pacers are making another change on the bench, and this one sends Johnny Carpenter to Milwaukee.
On the morning of July 8, the Pacers announced that Carpenter has accepted a new role with the Bucks as assistant coach and head of player development. The move reunites him with former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, who is now in Milwaukee as well.
It’s the second time this offseason the Pacers have seen someone headed to the Bucks. Kam Jones is also set to join Milwaukee, making Carpenter the second departure from the 2025-26 Pacers to land there.
For Rick Carlisle, it’s another offseason in which he has to patch a hole on his staff. Last year, longtime assistant Mike Weinar stepped away from coaching for the 2025-26 season, leaving Carlisle to rework the bench again.
Dustin Dopirak of the Indy Star and Tony East of Circle City Spin reported the change through a PR statement. The team said Bryce Taylor will step in as head coach of the summer league team.
Carlisle said in the release: "Johnny Carpenter has accepted a position with the Milwaukee Bucks as assistant coach and head of player development. Bryce Taylor, our newly appointed head coach of the Noblesville Boom, will take over immediately as head coach of our summer league team in Vegas.
We will adjust and promote from within to cover Johnny's departure. The Bucks' offer to Johnny was a clear step up in responsibility and therefore received the organization's blessing.
We thank Johnny and his family for a great year with the Pacers and wish them the very best."
Taylor’s promotion gives him a bigger platform after spending time last season as an assistant with the Boom under former head coach Tom Hankins. Several Boom players already know him well from that stint.
The Pacers will open Las Vegas Summer League on Friday, July 10, at 4:30 PM EST against an opponent not specified in the source. The game will air on ESPN 2.
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