The Indiana Pacers made a bold move at the trade deadline, landing Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal that gives them a legitimate starting center. But if you were expecting Zubac to suit up and make an immediate impact, you’ll have to wait. Head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed that the big man won’t debut before the All-Star break and is expected to be sidelined “for a while” with an ankle injury.
Now, on the surface, that might sound like a setback. But in the big picture, this could actually be a win-win for Indiana.
Let’s break it down.
Zubac Boosts the Blueprint-Just Not Yet
Zubac was arguably the best center available on the trade market-an experienced, physical interior presence who can anchor a defense and clean the glass. He’s not a flashy name, but he’s the kind of steady, reliable player who can elevate a young team’s floor and bring structure to both ends of the court.
But here’s the twist: his injury means he won’t be contributing to wins anytime soon. And for a Pacers team that’s spent most of the season near the bottom of the standings, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The Tank Rolls On-Quietly
Indiana currently holds one of the league’s worst records, and if the season ended today, they’d be in prime position for a top-two pick. That’s the kind of draft capital that can change a franchise’s trajectory overnight.
There was some concern among fans that a midseason upgrade like Zubac might make the team too competitive down the stretch-possibly enough to slide them out of the high-lottery range. But with Zubac shelved for the foreseeable future, Indiana can continue to develop its young core while maintaining its draft position.
It’s a delicate balance: build for the future without accidentally winning too much in the present. Right now, the Pacers are threading that needle.
A Roster Built for the Long Haul
The current record might be rough, but there’s a lot to like about what Indiana is building.
This is a roster full of young, high-motor players who play the right way. They move the ball, they compete on defense, and they’ve bought into Carlisle’s system. That kind of foundation matters, especially when you’re planning for sustained success.
Add in a front office that’s made smart, forward-thinking moves and a coaching staff that knows how to develop talent, and the Pacers are quietly putting together something special. They’re not just collecting assets-they’re building a team that fits.
A Golden Opportunity Ahead
And here’s where things get really interesting. If Indiana can land a top pick in this year’s draft-and names like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, and Cam Boozer are already generating serious buzz-they could be adding a franchise-altering talent to an already promising core.
Pair that with a healthy Zubac next season, and suddenly you’re looking at a team that could leap from the lottery to the playoff picture in a hurry. In an Eastern Conference that’s still wide open behind the top tier, the Pacers could be poised to make real noise as early as next year.
The Bottom Line
It’s been a tough season in terms of wins and losses, but don’t let the standings fool you-Indiana is playing the long game, and they’re playing it well.
They added a quality starting center without jeopardizing their lottery odds. They’ve got a young, cohesive roster and a front office that knows what it’s doing. And if the ping-pong balls bounce their way, they could be right back in the mix sooner than anyone expects.
The Pacers aren’t just rebuilding-they’re reloading. And if all goes according to plan, the rest of the league might want to keep an eye on what’s brewing in Indiana.