Indiana Pacers entered the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery with high hopes but left empty-handed, gifting their fifth overall selection to the LA Clippers. This stemmed from a February trade acquiring centre Ivica Zubac. President of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard issued a public apology on X, admitting the risk while standing by the decision.
Lottery Odds and Pick Protection Breakdown
Indiana posted a 19-63 record, second-worst in the league behind Washington’s 17-65. Lottery odds were equal for top spots:
- 14% chance for No. 1 pick
- 52% odds for top four
A top-four finish kept their pick; No. 5 triggered transfer. Washington jumped to first, bumping Pacers to fifth. Here’s the protection details:
| Pick Year | Protection | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 1st-round | Top 4 | Conveyed at No. 5 |
| 2029 1st-round | None | Stays with Clippers |
| 2031 1st-round | None (swap) | Alternative if top 4 |
Clippers secure two future firsts regardless.
Pritchard’s Direct Fan Apology
Post-lottery, Pritchard posted on X: “I’m really sorry to all our fans. I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th after this year. I thought we were due some luck. But please remember – this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year. We have always been resilient.”
This owns the gamble, justifies Zubac’s fit, and highlights resilience.
Trade Details: What Clippers Received
- 2026 first-round pick (top-four protected)
- 2029 first-round pick
- 2031 unprotected first-round pick (if 2026 stayed)
In exchange, Pacers got Zubac, filling a key gap.
Reasons Behind the Zubac Acquisition
Centre Need After Turner Exit
Myles Turner left for Milwaukee Bucks in 2025 free agency. No suitable replacement followed, weakening the frontcourt.
Value in Zubac’s Deal
Contract terms:
- $20.3 million for 2026-27
- $21.7 million for 2027-28
Reasonable for a reliable starter, aligning with contention goals around Tyrese Haliburton.
Franchise Impact and Criticisms
Pacers sacrificed draft capital without a top pick or cheap rookie talent. Small-market teams rely on drafts; this depletes assets. Despite 52% top-four odds, luck failed. Yet Zubac provides two years of stability.
Path Forward with Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton sat out 2025-26 after an Achilles tear in the 2025 NBA Finals Game 7. His return, plus Zubac, forms a strong core. Roster needs shooters and depth, but this sets up 2026-27 competitiveness. Pritchard views the lottery hit as the cost of ambition.
