Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac had a strong message praising one part of the franchise entering the season.
Indiana Pacers center Ivica Zubac hasn't been with the team very long, but he has enjoyed his time so far.
Zubac was acquired by the Pacers from the Los Angeles Clippers at the trade deadline last season, giving Indiana a center of the future. The big man was only able to play in five games for the Pacers after the trade, but he is now ready for the start of the new season.
During his limited time with Indiana, Zubac averaged 11.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. However, his numbers should only increase with a larger sample size going into the season.
Zubac will be given every opportunity to see his numbers grow, while helping this team try to get back to the postseason. But heading into his first full season with the Pacers, there has been one element of the team that has stood out to the veteran center.
During Media Day, Zubac praised the Pacers roster for the closeness that the players all have. The veteran big man said that this group of players has the most amount of camaraderie that he has seen over the 10 years he has been in the NBA.
Zubac also compared the Pacers to the Croatian National Team that he has played on, in terms of being a tight-knit unit. This has impressed the big man so far, with Indiana making a direct impression on him early in his tenure with the team.
Having a team that gels together can make all the difference during a season, and the Pacers have prided themselves on this fact. Indiana was a close unit during its run to the NBA Finals during the 2025-26 season, and that hasn't changed despite Tyrese Haliburton being out last year.
With Haliburton back in the mix, the Pacers offense should be much stronger going forward. Indiana didn't have a strong plan at center last season while the star guard was out, but Zubac now fills that role.
Zubac should get a ton of easy shot opportunities this coming season while playing alongside Haliburton, and this will see his numbers grow. The center will be a crucial piece to the puzzle for Indiana, and if he can play up to par, the Pacers should return to being title contenders.
Indiana came within one win of taking home the NBA title when Haliburton was last healthy, and with Zubac on the roster, it should only help. But for now, the focus will be on creating stronger bonds while building good habits on the floor as the regular season gets started,
