Rick Carlisle Talks Furphy’s Injury, Zubac Trade, and Pacers’ Push into the Break
As the Indiana Pacers navigate a critical stretch heading into the All-Star break, head coach Rick Carlisle pulled back the curtain on some of the team’s most pressing storylines - from Johnny Furphy’s season-ending injury to the arrival of Ivica Zubac, and the broader outlook for a squad that’s quietly becoming one of the East’s most intriguing teams.
Let’s start with the tough news: rookie Johnny Furphy’s ACL tear. It’s a gut punch for a player who was just starting to carve out a role. Carlisle didn’t sugarcoat the situation but made it clear he believes in Furphy’s long-term future.
“It’s a very unfortunate situation, but Johnny is young, and I fully expect him to make a full recovery,” Carlisle said.
Furphy had been showing real flashes - improving on the defensive end, becoming more aggressive on the glass, and knocking down shots with growing confidence. Carlisle mentioned he’s already spent time with Furphy, offering support and pointing to examples of players who’ve bounced back from similar injuries. That kind of mentorship can be huge for a young player facing a long rehab.
Then there’s the new face in the middle: Ivica Zubac. The Pacers swung a deal to bring in the 7-footer, and Carlisle didn’t hold back in his praise.
“He gives us size and strength, and he’s just entering his prime at 28,” Carlisle said, calling Zubac a “top-10 starting center.”
That’s high praise - and not unwarranted. Zubac brings a physical interior presence the Pacers have been missing.
He’s a reliable rim protector, a solid rebounder, and an efficient scorer around the basket. While he’s currently nursing an ankle issue, Carlisle’s comments suggest the team is thinking long-term - and they like what Zubac brings to the table once he’s fully healthy.
Carlisle also took a moment to reflect on the bigger picture. The Pacers have been active over the past year - adding Tyrese Haliburton, then swinging a deal for Pascal Siakam.
These aren’t just moves for the sake of noise. Carlisle credited the front office for threading the needle: staying aggressive in reshaping the roster while keeping an eye on the salary cap.
That’s no small feat in today’s NBA, where teams often have to choose between talent and flexibility. The Pacers are trying to have both - and so far, it’s working.
With back-to-back matchups against the Knicks and Nets looming before the break, Carlisle emphasized the need to stay locked in. These games matter - not just in the standings, but in setting the tone for the second half of the season.
The Pacers are building something here. It’s not flashy, and it’s not always perfect, but there’s a clear vision. With Haliburton leading the charge, Siakam adding a veteran presence, and now Zubac anchoring the paint, Indiana’s got a roster that can make some noise - if they can stay healthy and keep the momentum rolling.
For now, the focus is on the next two games. But make no mistake: this team has its eyes on something bigger.