UPDATE: Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac will not make his debut with the team until his ankle fully heals, according to head coach Rick Carlisle. This announcement comes as Zubac is currently on paternity leave following the birth of his first child.
During a press conference before Friday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Carlisle revealed the challenges Zubac has been facing with an ankle injury that has persisted since December. “It’s kind of yo-yo’d a little bit,” Carlisle stated. “We’re not going to put him out there until he’s really ready.”
This delay is significant as the Pacers, with the third-worst record in the NBA at 13-38, are struggling to find stability. They are currently 10.5 games behind the last play-in spot. The team traded a valuable 2026 first-round pick to acquire Zubac and Kobe Brown from the LA Clippers in exchange for guard Bennedict Mathurin, center Isaiah Jackson, and multiple draft picks.
Zubac, averaging 14.4 points and 11 rebounds on 61% shooting this season, provides a crucial long-term solution at center after the Pacers lost Myles Turner to free agency. However, Carlisle noted that Zubac’s playing style, which does not include 3-point shooting, will contrast with Turner’s abilities as a stretch big.
“The two guys are different,” Carlisle explained, comparing Zubac to Turner. “We’ll study it and figure out how it all fits together. It’ll look a little different than when Myles was out there.”
Indiana’s decision to acquire Zubac reflects an urgent need for a reliable center as they navigate a challenging season. The Pacers’ ownership of one of the three worst records in the league also grants them a 14% chance at securing the No. 1 draft pick next season, depending on the outcome of the 2026 pick.
As the situation develops, fans will be watching closely to see when Zubac can return to the court. The Pacers are eager to integrate their new asset alongside returning star Tyrese Haliburton, who is recovering from a torn Achilles. The franchise’s future could hinge on Zubac’s successful adaptation to the team’s dynamics.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Pacers continue to navigate this crucial period.
