The Indiana Pacers didn’t get to show off Ivica Zubac very much this season. They made a trade for him at the trade deadline to solve their center woes. Adding Zubac should help solidify that position for the next few years, even if it was an expensive price.
After Zubac got to Indiana, he only played five games. Zubac missed time when he was traded due to an ankle injury. After he got healthy from that, he suffered a broken rib. That injury ended his season, so he didn’t get to play much with the Pacers.
Tyrese Haliburton didn’t get to play at all this season. He hasn’t developed chemistry with Zubac yet. Yet, he had a positive message to send to Pacers fans about Zubac.
GettyIndiana Pacers guard Ivica Zubac dunks the ball. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Pacers Guard Tyrese Haliburton is Excited for Fans to See Ivica Zubac
While appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, Haliburton let everyone know that fans are going to love watching Zubac play for the Pacers.
“Yeah, well, I think that’s exciting. I think that he brings a different dynamic to the team than we’ve had in the past. I think you guys are going to like big Zu a lot.”
Zubac gives the Pacers an element of rebounding that they haven’t had in the past. He is one of the best rebounders in the NBA. While he was with the Clippers this season, he averaged 11 rebounds per game. That kind of individual production that the Pacers have not had in quite a while.
Not only that, but Zubac can help protect the rim. His bigger frame will also keep him from getting pushed around by the best centers in the league, as Myles Turner did. This past season, the Pacers started six different centers, including Zubac.
GettyIndiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac drives the ball. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers Should Be Title Contenders Next Season
Zubac should be the final piece that the Pacers need to contend next season. In order to get him, they traded their 2026 first-round pick, 5-9 protected. With Indiana’s finish, the pick will not fall lower than sixth. That means the Pacers need it to stay between 1-4 in order to keep it.
If they are able to keep the pick, they should add a superstar wing player in addition to Zubac. Haliburton will also return fully healthy. Adding a top-10 player in Haliburton to the roster will bring the team back to being a dangerous one.
His ability to dictate the pace of the game is what Indiana was missing this season. Adding Zubac complicates things, as he doesn’t typically play at a faster pace. How the team works through that over the summer will be the key to having a successful season for Indiana.
This year, the Pacers had the third-worst offense in the NBA. Adding Haliburton, Zubac, and a potential top-four pick should make that terrible rating a thing of the past.
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