The Indiana Pacers have had one of the worst seasons out of any team in the NBA so far. From a Game 7 in the Finals to a bottom-feeding team almost instantaneously, their fortunes have flipped in a heartbeat. However, fans still have the Tyrese Haliburton injury to hold onto as solace.
The roster, in the meantime, is going through minor changes to help improve their chances once the superstar point guard returns to the lineup. At the trade deadline, one of the biggest moves to that effect came in the form of adding Ivica Zubac to shore up their front. Joining a new team, he shared his opinions on suiting up for the Pacers.
Ivica Zubac Looks Excited to Join the Pacers
A second-round pick in 2016, Zubac started his career with the Los Angeles Lakers before a controversial move sent him packing to the neighbouring Clippers squad, where he spent the next six seasons.
A consistent double-double machine, with a penchant for solid defense and above-average rim-running ability, he became the anchor for LA in the middle. This year, however, the team sought a change at the trade deadline after a slow start.
Alongside the James Harden blockbuster, they also sent Zubac to Indiana in exchange for Isaiah Jackson, Bennedict Mathurin, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick. For a team looking for high-quality center play after moving on from Myles Turner in the offseason, Zubac offers the perfect complementary piece for the Pacers.
And, in his first interview after joining the team, the excitement was clearly mutual, as Zubac gushed about the opportunity of playing on such a stacked roster. “I’m very excited, man,” were the first words out of his mouth.
“Pascal, obviously, a champion and an All-Star. He can do it, he can kind of do it all, and I’m very excited to play with a 4 like that. He can score in a bunch of different ways. We can run 4 and 5 pick and roll. He’s just a smart basketball player.”
His praise, though, wasn’t reserved for just Siakam. Next in line was the face of the franchise. “I’m very excited that I’m on a team with a point guard like him. Obviously, I’ve played with a lot of great point guards, and he’s going to be another name on that list. He’s probably one of the best in the league at what he does.”
Calling him one of the toughest covers in the entire league, it was clear to see that Zubac was excited about his new opportunity with the Pacers.
However, with an ankle injury keeping him out of the lineup for some time, next season is when fans in Indy will get a true taste of their new-look roster.
