Ivica Zubac's highly anticipated debut with the Indiana Pacers is facing a double delay! While fans are eager to see their new center in action, it seems his arrival on the court will have to wait a bit longer. Coach Rick Carlisle revealed that Zubac's debut is on hold not only due to his current paternity leave but also because of an ankle injury that has been bothering him since December.
"It's kind of yo-yo'd a little bit," Carlisle explained, hinting at the fluctuating nature of the injury. "My understanding from talking to him is that there's still something there that's not quite right. We're not going to put him out there until he's really ready." This cautious approach is understandable, especially for a player acquired in a significant trade.
The Pacers brought Zubac and Kobe Brown into the fold on Thursday, sending away guard Bennedict Mathurin, center Isaiah Jackson, and a package of draft picks – including two first-rounders and a second-rounder – to the LA Clippers. This move signals a clear intention to bolster the team's center position for the long haul.
Interestingly, Zubac did miss his final game with the Clippers to be with his family for the birth of his first child. However, before that, he had been remarkably consistent, playing in nine consecutive games and appearing in 43 games this season. "He's a guy that has played 94 or 95% of his games through his career and I'm presuming that's because he's always raring to go through things," Carlisle commented. "That's not going to be an option here." This suggests a commitment to prioritizing Zubac's full health.
Now, let's talk strategy. The Pacers currently hold the third-worst record in the NBA at 13-38. This position isn't exactly a golden ticket to immediate victories, and it raises an interesting question about the team's motivations. They even traded a 2026 first-round pick to the Clippers for Zubac, but this pick comes with protections. It's protected if it falls within the top 1-4 or 10-30 slots of the draft. With one of the league's worst records, the Pacers have a 14% chance at the No. 1 overall pick. If that pick doesn't convey in 2026, it becomes an unprotected first-rounder in 2031.
But here's where it gets interesting for the future: The Pacers' acquisition of Zubac is a clear move to address a long-term need at center, especially after Myles Turner's departure in free agency this past summer. Zubac is under contract through the 2027-28 season, and he's expected to form a dynamic pick-and-roll combination with Tyrese Haliburton when he returns next season from his torn Achilles.
Zubac's stats this season are impressive: he's averaging 14.4 points, 11 rebounds, and shooting a remarkable 61% from the field. However, his playing style is quite different from Turner's. While Turner is known as a "stretch big" who can pull defenders out to the three-point line, Zubac hasn't even attempted a three-pointer this season. "The two guys are different," Carlisle acknowledged. "We'll study it and figure out how it all fits together. It'll look a little different than when Myles was out there."
And this is the part most people miss: Carlisle's confidence in his new acquisition is palpable. He believes both Zubac and Turner are among the top-10 centers in the NBA, stating, "So we're fortunate to have made the deal." This suggests a long-term vision for the Pacers, even if immediate results are not the primary focus.
What do you think about the Pacers' strategy? Is acquiring Zubac a smart move for their future, even with the draft pick implications? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
