Pacers Excited About Zubac Addition, Believe It Will Be "Really Exciting"

Tyrese Haliburton and other Pacers players express enthusiasm for the team's acquisition of center Ivica Zubac.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 9:15am

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Indiana Pacers players, including Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, and T.J. McConnell, have expressed excitement about the team's acquisition of center Ivica Zubac. They believe Zubac's rebounding, interior scoring, and defensive presence will complement Haliburton's playmaking and create matchup problems for opponents in the Eastern Conference.

Why it matters

The Pacers have been looking to upgrade their center position, and the addition of Zubac, who is known for his physical presence and efficiency around the rim, could be a significant boost for the team as they aim to return to the NBA Finals.

The details

Zubac, who was previously with the Los Angeles Clippers, is known for his rebounding and interior scoring. Pacers players believe his ability to set screens, protect the rim, and finish around the basket will create new opportunities for the team's guards, particularly Haliburton, to operate more effectively. The players also highlighted Zubac's potential to reduce the need for double-teams in the post and his ability to keep the Pacers out of rotations on defense.

  • Zubac has not yet joined the Pacers, but the players are looking forward to having a long summer and training camp to build chemistry with their new teammate.
  • The Pacers acquired Zubac in a trade with the Clippers in February 2026.

The players

Tyrese Haliburton

The Pacers' star point guard, known for his elite passing and playmaking abilities.

Ivica Zubac

The Pacers' new center, acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, known for his rebounding, interior scoring, and defensive presence.

Andrew Nembhard

The Pacers' starting point guard, who is excited about the potential of playing pick-and-roll with Zubac.

Aaron Nesmith

The Pacers' starting small forward, who is looking forward to Zubac's rebounding and rim protection.

T.J. McConnell

The Pacers' veteran backup point guard, who believes Zubac's screen setting and post defense will be valuable for the team.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I'm excited about it. Playing against a guy like Zu, he obviously poses a lot of different threats. I'm looking forward to playing with him. It'll be different for me — a guy who rebounds the ball so well. Defenses trying to cross-match or switch, I don't know if they'll be able to do that as much with Zu on the floor. So I'm looking forward to it. We've talked a little bit. He's not with the team yet, but I think we're going to have a long summer and a lot of time to grow our relationship, and I think it can be really exciting.”

— Tyrese Haliburton (Prime)

“First time we played him, he gave us like 30 and 30. Big body, can really rebound. He's going to be a force rolling in two-man action with me and Ty, so excited about having him. Heard he's a great teammate, so he'll fit in really well with us.”

— Andrew Nembhard (Forbes, The Indy Star, ESPN)

“Rim protection, as well as his strong body, will allow him to guard guys one-on-one and keep us out of rotations.”

— Andrew Nembhard (Forbes, The Indy Star, ESPN)

“I'm excited, man. I'm excited for his rebounding. Defensively, you don't have to double as much in the post. I think he brings a different dynamic that we haven't had, and I'm excited to play with him.”

— Aaron Nesmith (Forbes, The Indy Star, ESPN)

“I think rebounding, for one. He's a monster on the glass. Post defense, screen setting — you just think about all the positives he can bring, especially once Ty comes back. Those two playing together could really be special.”

— T.J. McConnell (Forbes, The Indy Star, ESPN)

What’s next

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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.