The Indiana Pacers’ latest addition, Ivica Zubac, was notably absent from Tuesday night’s clash with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. While fans were eager to get their first look at the 28-year-old big man in blue and gold, they'll have to wait a bit longer.
Zubac, along with forward Kobe Brown, was acquired at the trade deadline in a deal that sent Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and three future draft picks to the Los Angeles Clippers. It’s a move that signals Indiana’s intent to reshape its frontcourt and bring some much-needed size and stability to a roster that’s been battered by injuries.
Zubac’s impact, once he suits up, could be immediate. He’s a true center in every sense-strong in the paint, a reliable rebounder, and capable of putting up a double-double on any given night. For a Pacers team that’s struggled to protect the rim and control the glass, his presence could help stabilize things down low.
During the Knicks broadcast, longtime play-by-play man Mike Breen had high praise for Zubac, pointing out the value he brings to a team like Indiana. But not everyone was in a complimentary mood.
Knicks legend and analyst Walt “Clyde” Frazier couldn’t resist taking a jab at the Pacers’ situation. “It’s called tanking, folks,” Frazier quipped, drawing a laugh from Breen and a ripple of reaction across social media.
While the comment was tongue-in-cheek, the Pacers’ current trajectory does raise some eyebrows. Heading into Tuesday’s game, Indiana was riding a four-game skid and sitting at 13-40-second-worst in the league.
Injuries have played a massive role in the team’s struggles. Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin remain sidelined, and nearly every key rotational player-Bennedict Mathurin (now traded), Isaiah Jackson, Andrew Nembhard, TJ McConnell, and Aaron Nesmith-has missed time at some point this season.
The latest blow came Monday, when the team announced that promising rookie Johnny Furphy is out for the season with a torn ACL.
It’s been that kind of year in Indiana. A talented young core has been unable to stay on the floor, and the results have shown in the standings.
With the losses piling up and the roster still in flux, the Pacers are staring at another trip to the lottery. That might not be the worst outcome, considering the potential prizes at the top of next year’s draft.
Knicks announcer on Zubac not playing:
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) February 11, 2026
“It’s called tanking, folks.” pic.twitter.com/bE0LCeAhqB
Names like AJ Dybantsa (BYU) and Darryn Peterson (Kansas) are already generating buzz as potential No. 1 overall picks.
For now, though, the focus remains on the present-and on getting Zubac on the court. His debut could offer a glimpse into what this retooled Pacers frontcourt might look like moving forward. And for a team searching for silver linings in a tough season, that’s something worth watching.