Walker is not an elite scorer, although he provides some extra defensive depth that the Pacers will sorely need against the Thunder. While Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and Obi Toppin are capable of slowing down Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it was expected that Walker would be able to play a bigger role if needed.

Pacers' Rick Carlisle Sends OKC Thunder Message Before NBA Finals originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Oklahoma City Thunder made light work of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. It clinched a berth in the NBA Finals for just the second time in their young history.

But Rick Carlisle is on a different level. He's been an NBA head coach since 2001. This will be his second NBA Finals. He was the Dallas Mavericks' head coach when they upset the Miami Heat in 2011. The 65-year-old hopes history repeats itself.