Pacers' Ivica Zubac Gets Unique Compliment from Nikola Jokic

The Indiana Pacers are gearing up for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season. With the opener coming up on October 21 on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans, fans don't have much longer to wait.

Following a brutal 2025-26 campaign that saw the Pacers end up with a 19-63 record, the team is ready to get back on the court. When they play that season opener on October 21, they will have star point guard Tyrese Haliburton back on the court.

Of course, Haliburton missed all of last season due to the torn Achilles he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals the year before against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

One of the big changes for Indiana this season was the addition of star center Ivica Zubac. Kevin Pritchard and the Pacers' front office made the blockbuster move to acquire Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers before the NBA trade deadline last year.

Zubac ended up playing in just five games with Indiana following the trade. His season ended prematurely due to a rib injury.

Prior to being traded to the Pacers, Zubac had played in 43 games with the Clippers. He averaged 14.4 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Zubac produced 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game the year before.

Ahead of the upcoming season, Zubac has received a unique compliment from Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic. He isn't known for his defense, but Jokic named Zubac as one of his toughest matchups in the NBA.

"We're kinda chubby, so when we're battling physically, I can't really move them," Jokic said.

No one in Indiana should be expecting Zubac to come in and defend at the level of Myles Turner. He isn't going to be an elite rim protector. But, he's a big body who can make things difficult on opposing centers.

Standing in at 7-foot-0 and 240 pounds, Zubac has become one of the NBA's best centers. He is capable of scoring in the post, is an elite rebounder, and has focused on extending his range since being traded to the Pacers.

Only time will tell how the trade ends up shaking out. Indiana took a big-time swing by acquiring him. Jokic's comments about Zubac's defense just gives the Pacers even more reason to be excited about their new front-court anchor.