The Pacers faced some criticism for surrendering multiple unprotected first-rounders, including the pick that became the No. 5 selection in the 2026 draft, to acquire Ivica Zubac at last season’s deadline, and Tony East of Forbes notes that there were questions about how the big man would fit into Indiana’s fast-paced offense.
Zubac, who is averaging 10.8 points and 8.9 rebounds in 23.4 minutes per game through his first eight outings this fall, is still adjusting to the Pacers’ system and personnel. That process has been slowed by ankle and rib injuries that limited him to just five outings with his new team last season, as well as a recent five-game absence due to another ankle sprain.
But the team and the veteran center are starting to see positive results, as East details. Zubac has three double-doubles in his past four games, and Indiana – which lost all five games he missed – has a 5-3 record when he’s available.
“It’s faster, for sure,” Zubac said of the Pacers’ offense. “It’s a different style, but at the end of the (day), it’s still basketball. (I’ve) just got to trust my instincts… It’s different but the same at the same time. So it’s just about trusting the process and it’ll work out.”
Here’s more from across the Central Division:
- Things seemed to be going from bad to worse this week for the Bullswho were 1-9 when they lost Caleb Wilson to a fractured hand. However, Chicago responded by defeating Atlanta on Friday and Minnesota on Saturday for its first winning streak of the season. “Our jobs are on the line too,” Buddy Hield said after Saturday’s victory, per Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. “The organization is in the position where they’re trying to figure out where they are moving in the next direction. No disrespect to Caleb, but we have guys that have been in the league for more than four or five years and we understand what it takes to win. Putting all the BS aside and being a good teammate, going out to compete, making winning plays, and that translates into wins.”
- The Bulls have assigned rookie wing Dailyn Swain and recently signed center Orlando Robinson to the G League, the team announced today (via Twitter). The Windy City Bulls are in action on Sunday afternoon, so it looks like both players will suit up for Chicago’s NBAGL affiliate vs. the Wisconsin Herd. In his G League debut earlier this month, Swain contributed 16 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in 23 minutes of action.
- Returning to Cleveland on Saturday as a member of the Mavericksveteran guard Kyrie Irving reflected on being part of the Cavaliers’ 2016 title team, arguing that it was “one of the hardest championships” in league history to win, per Christian Clark of The Athletic. The Cavs came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the 73-9 Warriors in that year’s NBA Finals. “That championship was so tough,” Irving said. “I came back from injury. Fractured kneecap that year. Wasn’t playing well when I first came back. Wasn’t closing out the fourth quarters well. And I just felt like there was a lot of pressure on me to perform well. … I’m so grateful for all the Cavs fans, Cleveland in general. Ohio wrapping their arms around me. And also sticking it through with me when I was a young person launching shots, trying to be the best player in the world.”