UPDATE: Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac will not make his debut as planned due to an ankle injury and paternity leave, coach Rick Carlisle announced earlier today. The team, facing the Milwaukee Bucks tonight, is weighing the implications of Zubac’s condition and timing for his return.
Zubac’s ankle issues have persisted since December, and Carlisle emphasized they will not rush him back. “It’s kind of yo-yo’d a little bit,” Carlisle stated. “We’re not going to put him out there until he’s really ready.” The Pacers acquired Zubac from the LA Clippers in a major trade on Thursday, sending guard Bennedict Mathurin, center Isaiah Jackson, and multiple draft picks in exchange.
This move comes as the Pacers grapple with a dismal record of 13-38, placing them third-worst in the NBA. The team is currently 10.5 games back from the last play-in spot, intensifying the urgency to integrate Zubac effectively.
Zubac missed his final game with the Clippers to welcome his first child, but he had previously played in nine consecutive games. Despite averaging 14.4 points and 11 rebounds per game this season, his style contrasts with former Pacers center Myles Turner, who could stretch defenses as a shooter. Zubac has yet to attempt a three-pointer this season, indicating a shift in the team’s offensive strategy.
Carlisle highlighted the importance of adapting to Zubac’s skill set: “We’ll study it and figure out how it all fits together. It’ll look a little different than when Myles was out there.” The Pacers traded a protected 2026 first-round draft pick in this deal, which could result in a crucial asset for the future if it conveys.
The urgency surrounding Zubac’s recovery is heightened by the Pacers’ position in the league. With a 14% chance at securing the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, the stakes are high. Should the pick not convey in 2026, it will become an unprotected first-rounder in 2031.
Fans are left waiting for Zubac’s return, hoping it will mark a turning point for a struggling franchise. As the Pacers look to fill the void left by Turner, the integration of Zubac could reshape their future, making this situation one to watch closely.
As news develops, the Pacers and their supporters will be eager for updates on Zubac’s recovery and the implications for the team’s season.
