The Pacers made a significant investment in Ivica Zubac when they acquired him in a deal that sent Bennedict Mathurin and what later became the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft the other way.
However, Zubac’s first few months in Indiana were limited by injuries, as he appeared in only five games after the trade and played under a minutes restriction in several of them.
Because of that, the veteran center enters next season with plenty of work ahead as he continues adjusting to Rick Carlisle’s system and building chemistry with Tyrese Haliburton and the rest of the roster.
After spending more than six seasons with the Clippers, Zubac is also adapting to a very different style of play in Indiana.
Even so, he believes the limited action he saw last season provided a valuable introduction to the Pacers’ approach.
“Definitely helped with (getting) a feel for how this team wants to play, about the pace, about defensive coverages, the defensive rotations,” Zubac said. “Offensively, where they want me to be, what they want me to do. So it definitely helped.”
While he would’ve liked more opportunities to get comfortable on the court, Zubac feels he now has a solid understanding of his role moving forward.
“I wish (there) were more games to get a better feel for it. But I kind of understood what they want from me, and (I’ve) got the whole summer to get in the best shape of my life and get ready for the next year.”
Central Notes: Zubac, Bucks, Bulls, Pistons https://t.co/gdVosDfRkP
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 21, 2026
