The Indiana Pacers have lost the fifth overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft after a mid-season trade for center Ivica Zubac backfired in the draft lottery. The team, which had the second-worst record in the league, needed a big man after longtime star Myles Turner departed for the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency.
In a bid to fill the void, the Pacers traded their first-round picks in 2026 and 2029 to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Zubac. However, the deal included top-four protection on the 2026 pick, meaning Indiana would retain the selection if they landed in the top four of the lottery. Unfortunately for the Pacers, the ping-pong balls did not fall in their favor, and they ended up fifth, behind the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Chicago Bulls. This result meant the Clippers would receive the pick in a star-studded draft class.
Pritchard's Apology
Following the disappointing outcome, Pacers team president Kevin Pritchard took to social media to apologize publicly. 'I'm really sorry to all our fans,' Pritchard wrote on X/Twitter. 'I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th after this year. I thought we were due some luck.'
Despite his regret over the lottery result, Pritchard defended the trade, emphasizing the team's need for a star big man to compete next season once star guard Tyrese Haliburton returns from an Achilles tear. 'But please remember – this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year. We have always been resilient,' he added.
Trade Pressure
Speaking to reporters after the lottery, Pritchard admitted he felt pressure during the trade deadline to acquire a center. He explained that the protection limit was a necessary concession: 'That was the vig for us to get [Zubac],' he said.
The Pacers are hopeful that Haliburton's return from a devastating Achilles injury suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals last season will boost their performance. However, the loss of a high lottery pick in a deep draft class is a significant setback for the franchise.
