The Indiana Pacers are – in an ideal world – going to be back in the playoff picture next season. But if they want to reach the highest heights, they need Ivica Zubac to learn how to play fast. More specifically, Tyrese Haliburton needs Zubac to learn how to play fast. The Pacers liked to (no pun intended) push the pace, and Zubac has to adapt.
During his time with the LA Clippers, Zubac was used to a much slower pace. James Harden and Kawhi Leonard liked a methodical, slow-paced style in the half-court. But the Pacers – and Haliburton, in particular – like to get out and run. That means Zubac is going to have to learn to adapt on the fly.
If the Pacers want to win a title, they need Haliburton to play his best. And at his best, Haliburton is playing fast. So Zubac needs to play fast.
Tyrese Haliburton will need Ivica Zubac to get used to playing fast
When the Pacers went on their magical run to the 2025 NBA Finals, Haliburton led the way. His clutch shooting was absolutely incredible to watch, and he turned into a postseason hero for Indiana.
But on top of the end-of-game clutch buckets that lifted the Pacers forward, their fast-paced style was what worked so well. Haliburton constantly looked to push the pace, and the Pacers benefited greatly.
It wasn’t just Haliburton, either. Aaron Nesmith was willing to run. Aaron Nesmith was willing to run. Pascal Siakam was constantly sprinting the floor. Every single player on the Pacers roster was willing to run. Even Myles Turner.
But Haliburton led the charge. As the Pacers’ point guard, it was often his job to direct traffic in transition and make sure that Indiana got a quality look when on the run.
And now, the Pacers are going to integrate a new body into their system. A new starting center. A new focal point of their team. That’s going to be a big change.
They’re undoubtedly going to run some plays to help Zubac get comfortable, but it will also be on Zubac to get used to how the Pacers like to play. Because last time they were able to play that way with Haliburton leading the charge, it went very well.
So, as Zubac slowly gets used to playing with his new teammates next year – the fully-healthy version of Indiana – he’ll have to adjust the way he’s used to playing.
That means more running. More transition chances. And a constantly evolving chemistry with Haliburton.
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