Center of Attention: The Pacers Trade for Ivica Zubac

 

Photo Credit: Barry Gossage/Getty Images.

From what I’ve seen from the Pacers’ centers this year, I knew they were in dire need of a big man to solidify the position versus the revolving door of guys they were starting there almost every night, and apparently, they knew that, too. Jay Huff has been serviceable, but I think he’s better as a bench player/spot starter.

So it was no surprise when their name came up among trade rumors regarding a center, and for the past few weeks, the past few days in particular, I checked on and off online to see what players they were reportedly looking to trade for.

The past month, the names I had been hearing were Jarrett Allen from the Cavaliers here and there; about two weeks ago, I started hearing about Yves Missi from the Pelicans, and last night, it was reported that there were serious talks of them acquiring Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers.

This afternoon, before the trade deadline, they traded Ben Mathurin, Isisah Jackson, and two first round picks for Zubac and Kobe Brown, who was a first round pick from 2023.

I knew going into it that Mathurin was a part of the package. I think Mathurin is a good player on both ends--might be better if Kawhi Leonard takes him under his wing--but I question his decision making. Plus, unless the Clippers sign him to a long term deal, he’s going to be a free agent at the end of the season, so it probably was a situation where they were thinking get as much quality as they can in a trade versus letting him walk without getting anything in return.

 I liked Isisah’s energy and effort, but I didn’t like him as a starter. He’s foul prone and too lightweight. Zubac brings what I stated earlier in terms of a solid big man, who’s getting better every season. He has an opportunity to be more involved offensively with absence of Tyrese Haliburton.

 He has a decent mid-range game, but his calling card is inside the paint, where he likes to use his size, as he should. He’s a decent shot blocker, so he provides some rim protection. He’s not the fastest or the most athletic, but he moves well enough up and down the floor.

 He doesn’t put up Nikola Jokic type of assist numbers on a nightly basis, but in general, he’s not a bad passer. Where he’s going to help the most is in rebounding, an area where the Pacers have struggled for years.

The only thing I don’t like about this trade is them giving up the first round picks, particularly this year’s first round pick. That pick could be a lottery pick, and if that's so, a Top Three pick could potentially go to the Clippers. Otherwise, I love the move.

Hopefully, they can make the most of the season moving forward, and I think they will be a dangerous team with the addition of Zubac, when Haliburton comes back next year. I saw a headline that stated Caitlin Clark predicted the Pacers as the NBA champions next year after the Zubac acquisition. I hope you’re right, Caitlin…I hope you’re right.