The Indiana Pacers finally got their new starting center after acquiring Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers, yet the tank might still be as alive as it was. According to head coach Rick Carlisle, Zubac will not make his Pacers debut before the All-Star break, and he is expected to be on the shelf "for a while" due to an ankle injury.
If you're a Pacers fan, this is exactly what you wanted to see happen.
Not only did the team get a legitimate upgrade at center, but his absence should help the team stay near the bottom of the standings and have a real shot at securing a top pick in this year's draft.
When reports surfaced that Indiana was interested in acquiring a new starting center, some fans were concerned that it would almost make the team too good. The Pacers have been near the bottom of the standings for the entire season, and if it were to end today, they would own the second-worst record in the league. This would give them a solid chance to land one of the top prospects from this year's draft, which could provide a huge boost to the team's long-term success.
However, things might have worked out incredibly well for the Pacers. Zubac was the best center available on the trade market, which should help them compete for a championship as soon as next season. But it seems like he won't be on the court anytime soon, which should help them rack up some losses in the second half of the season.
The Pacers are in a great spot for the future
Times are tough in Indiana right now.
Less than a year after being one win away from an NBA title, the Pacers are closer to securing the first overall draft pick than making a postseason appearance. But even so, their future is incredibly bright, and fans should be excited about their long-term outlook.
The Pacers' roster is filled with talented players who play well alongside each other and always give it 100% on the court. Additionally, they have one of the best front offices and coaching staffs in the league, and they should be constant contenders for the long haul, especially in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
Plus, if they can add someone like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, or Cam Boozer to the mix later this year, they could be a legitimate juggernaut that the rest of the league needs to be wary of.
It may not look like it right now, but the Pacers have what it takes to take the league by storm. And they might be ready to make some serious noise next season and finish what they started in 2025.