The Indiana Pacers completed a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers to acquire center Ivica Zubac before this year’s NBA trade deadline, aiming to strengthen a crucial position as they seek to return to championship contention. After coming within one victory of winning the title last season, the Pacers hope that adding Zubac will help push them over the edge next year.
As the Pacers integrate Zubac, questions remain whether this move represents the final step required to make a genuine championship run. Basketball analyst Tony East discussed on the Locked On Pacers podcast how dominant NBA champions often make one decisive addition before securing the title, and whether Zubac could be that missing piece for Indiana.
“Something I thought about after this trade happened is recent precedent of champions and the idea of the final piece or final move teams make to bring in someone to complete their team. … You get a final piece when you’re really close, and if it’s the right guy, good things happen. … Is that Ivica Zubac [for the Pacers]?” Tony East, basketball analyst
Examining Past NBA Champions’ Key Moves Before Winning the Title
East highlighted how the previous three NBA champions all made significant acquisitions that were instrumental to their success. For example, before last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder added Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls, bolstering their defense alongside Isaiah Hartenstein, who was signed that offseason. Their strengthened defense played a pivotal role in Oklahoma City’s championship victory.
The Boston Celtics, aiming to surpass their Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Miami Heat, made notable trades prior to their title-winning season by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. While Porzingis’ postseason involvement was limited, Holiday’s impact was vital in helping Boston reach the top.
Similarly, the Denver Nuggets’ trade for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from the Washington Wizards before the 2022-23 campaign provided the team with a crucial 3-and-D presence in the backcourt. Caldwell-Pope’s defensive contributions were key to Denver’s championship run, suggesting they may not have triumphed without him.
How Ivica Zubac’s Role Could Define the Pacers’ Championship Window
This pattern of final strategic additions illustrates what Indiana aims to emulate with Zubac. The Pacers will welcome back core players such as Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin, and much of the roster from last year’s Finals appearance remains intact, giving them a solid foundation.
Zubac’s elite interior defense and rebounding skill set address a major team need, potentially improving the Pacers’ ability to control the paint on both ends. However, his offensive limitations, particularly his lack of floor spacing, raise questions about how seamlessly he will fit into Indiana’s system. With Rick Carlisle at the helm, there is optimism that the coaching staff will maximize Zubac’s strengths and mitigate weaknesses.
Ultimately, Zubac’s impact will be a determining factor for the Pacers’ ceiling next season. His arrival brings renewed hope that Indiana can re-establish itself as a serious title contender. Yet, whether this move alone will be sufficient to capture the championship remains uncertain, and only time will reveal the full effect of his presence.
