The Indiana Pacers have openly pivoted to next season after a year spent near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Indiana enters the stretch run at 15-43 and is projected to finish among the NBA’s worst records, carrying a 12 percent chance of winning the draft lottery. The organization’s most significant post-deadline move underscored that forward-looking approach: acquiring center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers.
Zubac, sidelined by an ankle injury, has yet to appear for the Pacers, and team officials have indicated there is no urgency to accelerate his return. The 27-year-old is expected to fill a key role when healthy in 2026-27.
The deal involved risk. Indiana sent its own 2026 first-round pick to the Clippers with top-four protection. If the Pacers finish this season high enough in the lottery to retain that choice, the franchise’s draft outlook could change substantially.
Indiana’s front office views a potential high pick as an ideal complement to All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is expected to be fully healthy next fall. Pairing a lottery talent with Haliburton would immediately raise expectations for a rebound year.
The Pacers also approach the offseason just under the luxury-tax threshold and must address possible contract extensions for Haliburton and forward Pascal Siakam.
For now, the franchise is exercising patience. The true test begins next season.
Source: Hoops Wire
