NBA | Indiana Pacers

Ivica Zubac prepares for Indiana’s fast-paced offense

After joining the Pacers at last season’s trade deadline, the center used the summer to work on conditioning and adjust to the team’s quick decisions.

Usain Bolto

The decisive moment

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On October 13, 2026, the NBA reported that Ivica Zubac had spent the summer preparing for Indiana’s fast-paced offense after joining the Pacers at the trade deadline.

The center worked on his conditioning in Europe and returned to the United States early to get acquainted with his new teammates and the system.

Adapting to quicker decisions

Zubac described a change in rhythm from the point guards he was used to playing with. He said Tyrese Haliburton moves the ball ahead quickly, while Indiana’s system relies on players making fast reads and decisions.

The 7-foot center spent his first nine and a half NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers, developing a reputation as a defensive presence who set hard screens and competed around the rim.

A different role in Indiana

Indiana acquired Zubac from the Clippers at the trade deadline, sending two players and multiple draft picks, including a 2026 first-round selection that became an unprotected lottery pick, according to the NBA report.

The Pacers see his screening, rebounding and defense as areas that can help the team. Zubac was named to the All-NBA Defensive Second Team in 2024–25, but injuries limited him to 48 games last season, including five with Indiana.

Haliburton welcomes the fit

Haliburton described Zubac as a physical center who sets hard screens, rolls toward the basket, plays above the rim and rebounds. He contrasted that style with former Pacers center Myles Turner, whom he characterized as more finesse-oriented and a perimeter shooter.

The NBA report said Zubac had completed weeks of workouts, including full-court sessions before training camp. Haliburton said the early results looked promising.

Newsroom

The account is based on an NBA report published October 13, 2026, drawing on comments from Zubac, Haliburton and Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan.

Byline

Usain Bolto

The decisive moment

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