Ivica Zubac, recently traded center for the Indiana Pacers, described receiving the trade news as a surprising moment. After spending his entire NBA career in Los Angeles—first with the Lakers from 2016 to 2019 and then the Clippers since 2019—Zubac was suddenly informed of the move to Indiana. Despite the initial disbelief, he expressed excitement about his new opportunity with the Pacers and shared that he is enjoying his time after meeting his new teammates in New York.
Pacers Acquire Zubac to Strengthen Center Position
Zubac fills a critical role for the Pacers, bringing experience to the center position, an area where the team has needed reinforcement. He is optimistic about his fit within the roster and underlying team dynamics.
“I think I’ll fit in great,”
Zubac said.
Excitement to Collaborate With Key Pacers Players
One of Zubac’s key motivations is playing alongside standouts Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. He offered particular praise for Haliburton, noting the guard’s exceptional skills and court vision.
“He’s probably one of the best in the league at what he does, the way he moves the ball and involves his teammates,”
Zubac said.
Zubac reflected on his previous experiences facing Haliburton and the Pacers last season, calling their pick and roll defense the toughest challenge he encountered. He highlighted Haliburton’s combination of shooting, speed, and sound decision-making as qualities that excite him about joining the team.
Injury Challenges and Recovery Outlook
Zubac is currently managing an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined. Earlier this season, he missed time but returned sooner than expected. However, he acknowledged he has not been fully healthy since, experiencing lingering swelling and soreness. Zubac stated his commitment to regaining full fitness before resuming play.
Focus Shifting Toward Future Seasons Amid Current Standings
As the Pacers find themselves 11.5 games behind the last play-in spot entering Tuesday’s schedule, Zubac’s attention is increasingly on contributing next season. He expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact he can have moving forward.
“I’m very excited for next year,”
Zubac said.
“I think I can help this team a lot. I think I can add to that and there’s just so many great overall basketball players who do a lot of stuff, can play both ways on this team, and I’m really excited to be teammates with them.”
Adjusting to Team Dynamics and Learning System
For the remainder of the current season, Zubac plans to focus on understanding his new teammates’ habits, mastering defensive schemes, and getting comfortable with Indiana’s offensive strategies and pace of play. This integration period is crucial for a smooth transition and future contributions.
Details of Trade Deal Bringing Zubac to the Pacers
The trade that brought Zubac and forward Kobe Brown to Indiana involved sending Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round draft picks, and a second-round pick to the Los Angeles Clippers. This deal aims to address the Pacers’ roster needs immediately while investing in longer-term talent acquisition for the Clippers.
Upcoming Game and What Lies Ahead for the Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are scheduled to resume action on Tuesday with a road game against the New York Knicks, with tipoff set for 7:30 p.m. Though Zubac’s playing status depends on his recovery, the game marks a pivotal moment in the season where Indiana will continue to push for improved play. As the team endeavors to narrow the gap to playoff contention, Zubac’s arrival symbolizes fresh hope and a desire for future success.
