Pacers Have Poor Lottery Luck; Lose 5th Pick to Clippers

The Indiana Pacers made a bold move at the 2026 trade deadline, acquiring center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers. The deal sent Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a 2029 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a conditional 2026 first-round pick.

The Pacers protected the 2026 pick 1-4 and 10-30, but the pick ended up fifth overall in the lottery, which means the Clippers own the pick. 

This is disappointing for Indiana, as they had hoped to land a top selection to add to their core of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.

The Pacers took a gap year in 2026 after Haliburton tore his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. If they had landed a top-four pick, it would've given them a better chance to be a contender when Haliburton returns in 2027.

However, even without this draft pick, the Pacers still have a quality roster. It starts with Haliburton, who averaged 18.6 points per game along with 3.5 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 1.4 steals. The 26-year-old is shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from three.

Outside of Haliburton, they will lean on Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, TJ McConnell, Ben Sheppard, and the newly acquired Zubac.

Zubac appeared in 48 games in the 2025-26 season, averaging 14.1 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 59.8 percent from the floor.

He was named to the All-Defensive Second Team in the 2024-25 season and finished sixth for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

The 29-year-old big man has two years remaining on a three-year $58.65 million extension. With Haliburton returning to the floor, he could elevate Zubac's offensive game due to his elite playmaking ability.

After Myles Turner left in the 2025 offseason for the Milwaukee Bucks, it was pivotal for Indiana to find their long-term center alongside Haliburton. Zubac can fill that role, as he's proven he can anchor a defense and finish at the rim.

While the Pacers lost the gamble on how they protected their 2026 first-round pick, they have a roster in place to win the Eastern Conference once again.

Pacers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Pacers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.