New Indiana center sidelined after missing final Clippers game for birth of first child; ankle has yo-yo’d since December as Carlisle prioritizes full recovery over rushing return
Ivica Zubac won’t be suiting up for the Pacers just yet. The newly acquired center’s debut with Indiana will be delayed, according to coach Rick Carlisle, due to a combination of circumstances: Zubac is currently on paternity leave following the birth of his first child, and he’s been managing an ankle injury that’s nagged him since December. The injury situation has proven particularly vexing the problem has fluctuated in severity throughout the season, creating uncertainty about when the Pacers can safely integrate their prized trade acquisition into the lineup.
Carlisle’s assessment was candid about the ankle’s ongoing nature. The coach characterized the injury as something that continues to present issues, noting that despite Zubac’s desire to return, the organization won’t rush him back onto the court until he’s genuinely ready to perform at his peak level. This cautious approach represents a departure from Zubac’s historical pattern a player accustomed to playing through discomfort and maintaining availability at elite levels throughout his career.
The timing of Zubac’s arrival couldn’t have been more dramatic. Indiana completed the acquisition Thursday in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers that sent guard Bennedict Mathurin, center Isaiah Jackson, a pair of first-round draft picks, and a second-rounder to Los Angeles. In return, the Pacers received Zubac and wing Kobe Brown a blockbuster deadline deal designed to address a critical long-term need at the center position.
The paternity leave context
Zubac’s absence for personal reasons stems from the birth of his first child. The center missed his final game with the Clippers while away celebrating the arrival, though he had demonstrated his health commitment by playing in nine consecutive games before that. Through the 2024-25 season, Zubac has appeared in 43 contests, establishing himself as a reliable presence for LA before the trade shuffled his future.
The ankle injury’s ongoing complications
What complicates Zubac’s situation is the ankle concern that’s persisted since December. Carlisle described the issue as having “yo-yo’d a little bit” medical speak for an injury that waxes and wanes in severity. The coach’s explanation suggested that despite Zubac’s reputation for playing through pain and maintaining availability, the Pacers are taking a different approach to his integration.
Carlisle noted that Zubac has historically played in approximately 94-95% of games throughout his career, a durability metric that speaks to his competitive nature and pain tolerance. However, the coach emphasized that Indiana won’t be adopting that same risk-tolerant philosophy. The organization intends to be more conservative with its new center, prioritizing long-term health over short-term availability.
A calculated investment in future success
The Pacers made this trade specifically to fill a void created by Myles Turner’s departure in free agency. Turner, a stretch-five who could extend defenses with three-point shooting, left in the offseason, creating a significant hole in Indiana’s frontcourt. Zubac, under contract through the 2027-28 season, provides a different but complementary skill set.
While Zubac won’t provide Turner’s three-point range he hasn’t attempted a single three-pointer this season he offers elite pick-and-roll production and rebounding prowess. Currently averaging 14.4 points and 11 rebounds on an impressive 61% shooting, Zubac brings proven production to a struggling team.
The Pacers’ investment was substantial. They surrendered Mathurin, Jackson, and valuable draft capital including a 2026 first-rounder that’s protected in the 1-4 range or 10-30 range. If the pick doesn’t convey in 2026, it becomes unprotected in 2031. Given Indiana’s current position with the second-worst record in the NBA at 13-39, that pick protection provides some insurance.
Carlisle expressed confidence about the long-term partnership, characterizing both Zubac and Turner as top-10 centers in the NBA. When Tyrese Haliburton returns next season from his torn Achilles injury, the Pacers believe Zubac will provide an excellent pick-and-roll partner for the franchise’s offensive engine.
For now, patience is the priority. Zubac will heal from both paternity leave and his persistent ankle concern before Indianapolis asks him to contribute at the highest level.
