The night of the draft lottery, dating back to May, was the deciding factor in the massive trade between the LA Clippers and Indiana Pacers that featured Ivica Zubac. LA walked away with the fifth overall pick (Keaton Wagler), an unprotected 2029 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, Bennedict Mathurin, and Isaiah Jackson for Zubac and Kobe Brown, confirming they came out on top.
If Zubac prospers and reaches heights he never reached as a Clipper, the conversation might be closer than it is. However, based on the preseason thus far, when Indiana was finally at 100% health, the big man looks like an odd fit in the Pacers’ pace-heavy system. This led to an underwhelming performance and could lead to many more, another reminder they got absolutely fleeced by LA.
For context, in 18 minutes, Zubac recorded just six points, three rebounds, and two assists, shooting 3-for-7 from the field. To top it off, he turned the ball over three times and ended with a +/- of -13.
Just as bad as the stats look, the eye test was no different.
Former Clippers big man Ivica Zubac doesn’t fit in the Indiana Pacers’ system
Although Ivica Zubac is ridiculously talented on both ends of the floor, one reason he was consistently productive for the LA Clippers over the years is that he fit their scheme. Particularly on offense, head coach Tyronn Lue thrived in the half-court.
Like stars such as Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden, Lue ran Zubac in isolation on several occasions. This is where he flashed his post moves, footwork, touch around the glass, and even his ability to create for others.
The Indiana Pacers, on the other hand, have built their foundation on pushing the pace in transition, efficient fast breaks, and ultimately beating opponents with their legs.
Long story short, the Pacers play a completely different brand of basketball than the Clippers. Some players may fit into both, but Zubac isn't one of them, and we saw it on display the first night they were finally healthy.
Moving forward, Rick Carlisle can try to accommodate Zubac, but at the end of the day, there’s only so much he can do given the formula for success in front of him.
That said, Zubac’s skill set doesn't match the Pacers’ style of play, and that’s another reason the Clippers won the trade at last season’s deadline.
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