When the Indiana Pacers traded for Ivica Zubac last month, the team was banking on him drastically improving their presence on the boards. And even though he has yet to make his Pacers debut, Zubac is proving the team right time and time again.
In their first six games since the All-Star break, Indiana is averaging just 39.7 rebounds, which is the fourth-worst mark in the league across that span, according to NBA.com. Additionally, their 42.4 rebounds per game on the season ranks as the sixth-worst in the league.
The Pacers haven't been a good rebounding team in quite some time, and that is no different this season. And until Zubac finally steps onto the court in the blue and gold (whether it happens this season or next), that is not likely to change.
Ivica Zubac will be a great rebounder for the Pacers
The 28-year-old is a strong paint presence in every area of the game. He is an elite defensive anchor, an incredibly efficient scorer near the basket (he is a career 61.6 FG% shooter), and a beast on the boards.
Across his past two seasons, Zubac has averaged 12.1 rebounds per game. He also ranks fourth in total rebound % (20.8%) and 11th in total rebounds per 100 possessions (17.8) this season.
For reference, the last Pacer to average at least 10 rebounds per game in a season was Domantas Sabonis in 2021-22, when he averaged 12.1 rebounds in 47 games.
Indiana doesn't necessarily need to be an elite rebounding team because it is incredibly skilled everywhere else. But it would certainly help. And with Zubac now on the roster, they are going to be a much more well-rounded team and won't have as many flaws or weaknesses for other teams to expose, which will be huge once the playoffs come around.
The former Los Angeles Clippers big man should greatly elevate the Pacers in numerous ways. He will be a big help to their interior defense, and he will also be a fantastic pick-and-roll partner for Tyrese Haliburton. But his presence on the boards will be intriguing for Indiana regardless.
Trading for Zubac was a bit of a risky move for the Pacers. Not only did they give up a talented player in Bennedict Mathurin to make it happen, but they also traded their first-round pick for this year (with protections) and could lose out on drafting a potential game-changer like Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer, or AJ Dybantsa.
However, if Zubac can make the impact everyone in Indiana knows he can, then it will be well worth it.