Following several seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, Ivica Zubac is embarking on a new professional path after being traded to the Indiana Pacers. This transition marks an important shift for the 7-foot center as he integrates into a different team environment in the NBA.
Adjusting to New Team Dynamics and Expectations
Zubac faces notable changes as he adapts to the Pacers’ roster and style. Despite these challenges, he expresses enthusiasm about contributing on the court, particularly with the anticipated return of point guard Tyrese Haliburton from injury. The seven-foot, 240-pound player has yet to debut with Indiana due to a lingering ankle issue, delaying his impact on the team after the recent trade involving multiple players and future draft assets.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Absence Casts Shadow over Pacers’ Season
Haliburton, a key figure for Indiana, will miss the entire 2025-26 season following a severe Achilles injury sustained during the 2025 NBA Playoffs. He tore his Achilles tendon in the crucial Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, sidelining him for an extended period. Without his leadership on the floor, the Pacers have struggled, registering only 13 wins in 54 games, contributing to a challenging transitional campaign.
Zubac’s Optimism about Playing with Haliburton
I’m very excited that I’m on a team with a point guard like him,
Zubac shared regarding Haliburton’s role on the Pacers (via Indiana’s X account).
He’s probably one of the best in the league at what he does,
the 28-year-old center added, reflecting on the talent of Haliburton, who was originally an Iowa State Cyclones standout.
Looking Ahead: Patience and Potential Growth for Indiana
Given the Pacers’ current rebuilding phase and Zubac’s recovery from injury, the team appears in no rush to activate the center immediately. This cautious approach aims to preserve his health and maximize his future contribution. The successful integration of Zubac, alongside the eventual return of Haliburton, could play a pivotal role in improving Indiana’s competitive standing in the coming seasons.
“I’m very excited that I’m on a team with a point guard like him… He’s probably one of the best in the league at what he does.”
Newest Pacer Ivica Zubac on Tyrese Haliburton 🙌
(via @Pacers)pic.twitter.com/pmEq3DmXul
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 10, 2026
