The Indiana Pacers’ decision to send multiple first-round picks, a second-round pick, Bennedict Mathurin, and Isaiah Jackson to the LA Clippers for Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown was already a major loss. This was confirmed the second the draft lottery took place, which allowed the Clippers to select one of the top prospects entering the league, Keaton Wagler. However, so far in the regular season, Isaiah Jackson has done his part in making the outcome worse for the Pacers.
Though the Pacers have been hurt, most notably without their elite floor general, Tyrese Haliburton, who can increase the impact of interior-dominant big men, Jackson has outplayed Zubac. The former first-round pick is averaging 8.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, shooting 57.7% from the field, while the Croatian star has put up just 7.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, shooting 53.3% from the field.
Context matters, but Jackson having a better year than the primary player the Pacers traded for is still not a good look.
Ivica Zubac has underperformed for the Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers traded a haul for Ivica Zubac to avoid mediocre production at center. Zubac was practically elite for the LA Clippers, particularly in the paint on both ends of the court, and they hoped the same would translate to Indiana.
Unfortunately, that hasn't happened at the start of Zubac’s first full season with the Pacers. He had an excellent opening night, with 16 points and 15 rebounds. After that, though, he looked rough before suffering a sprained ankle. This could be due to a combination of things such as a new environment and fast-paced offense.
Zubac returned Nov. 4th and recorded a measly one point, shooting 0-5 from the field and 1-2 from the free-throw line. His next game, against the Denver Nuggets, looked much better: he put up 10 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, but it still wasn't the same center the Pacers made a splash for.
Isaiah Jackson has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Clippers
In the blockbuster trade surrounding Ivica Zubac and picks, Isaiah Jackson’s name was lost in the mix. Many hoped he'd become a factor for the LA Clippers, but because he had a limited role with the Indiana Pacers and recently tore his Achilles, no one knew what to expect.
However, Jackson has shone for the Clippers thus far. He has started for Tyronn Lue and come off the bench, but the former first-round pick by the Los Angeles Lakers has scored efficiently, held his own defensively, and opened the floor for guys like Darius Garland.
Jackson also had one of the best games of his career against the Miami Heat, posting 19 points and eight rebounds in 26 minutes, shooting 9-for-11 from the field.
Long story short, Jackson has outplayed Zubac. Could this change as Zubac gets comfortable in the Pacers’ system, and when Tyrese Haliburton returns? Absolutely. But for now, the truth may hurt Indiana and their fans.
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