Pacers Sit Zubac, Raising Draft Pick Concerns

Indiana's struggling season has them eyeing a top pick, but at what cost?

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Indiana Pacers have held out newly acquired center Ivica Zubac due to an ankle injury, raising questions about the team's motivations. With the Pacers currently in 14th place in the Eastern Conference and holding the fourth-best odds for the 2026 NBA Draft's top pick, some wonder if the team is intentionally limiting Zubac's playing time to improve their draft position.

Why it matters

The Pacers' first-round draft pick in 2026 is protected 1-4 and 10-30, meaning if it lands in the 5-9 range, it will go to the Los Angeles Clippers. This creates a strong incentive for the Pacers to finish the season with one of the NBA's worst records in order to keep their pick.

The details

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has stated that it will be "a while" before Zubac makes his debut for the team, despite the 28-year-old center dealing with only a lingering ankle injury. This comes after the team was fined $100,000 last week for "tanking behavior." The Pacers have struggled mightily this season, falling to 15-40 and 14th in the Eastern Conference, a far cry from their appearance in the 2025 NBA Finals.

  • The Pacers' next game is Thursday evening against the Washington Wizards.
  • Zubac has missed four consecutive games with an ankle injury since joining the Pacers.
  • The Pacers were fined $100,000 last week for "tanking behavior."

The players

Ivica Zubac

A 28-year-old center who was recently traded to the Indiana Pacers.

Rick Carlisle

The head coach of the Indiana Pacers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“it's going to be a while" before trade acquisition Ivica Zubac makes his team debut.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.