Ivica Zubac Joined Indiana Pacers for 2026-27 Season
The veteran center will bolster the Pacers roster as the team adopts a European-style system.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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Ivica Zubac has officially joined the Indiana Pacers ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. The 29-year-old center aims to adapt his game to the team's fast-break style while providing a new paint presence.
Why it matters
Zubac expects a smooth transition playing alongside star guard Tyrese Haliburton, whose high basketball IQ is seen as a key facilitator for the team's new European-influenced identity.
Ivica Zubac enters his new role at 29 years old with 684 career NBA games of experience. He is currently adjusting his personal conditioning to align with the Pacers' high-tempo offensive pace.
The players
Ivica Zubac
He is a professional basketball center with nearly 700 games of NBA experience.
Indiana Pacers
The professional basketball organization is based in Indianapolis and competes in the NBA.
Tyrese Haliburton
He is an elite point guard known for his exceptional vision and high basketball IQ.
New Orleans Pelicans
The professional basketball team will host the Pacers for the season opener at the Smoothie King Center.
The details
Zubac plans to anchor the defense by focusing on setting physical screens and sealing defenders in the post. The team is intentionally shifting its system to better integrate a European-style identity.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: The Indiana Pacers held their preseason media day.
October 7-16, 2026: The team is scheduled to play four preseason games.
October 21, 2026: The regular season begins against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Season Trajectory
The acquisition of Zubac signals a strategic pivot by the Pacers to integrate a European-influenced system, which may alter their competitive standing within the conference. This roster move effectively recalibrates the team's internal chemistry ahead of a critical stretch of regular-season games.
Zubac's arrival provides the Pacers with a reliable interior defender and screener, which should open more perimeter looks for the starting guards. This adjustment to the rotation is expected to refine the team's spacing strategy before their regular-season debut at the Smoothie King Center.
The takeaway
Zubac's success will depend on his ability to maintain the high conditioning required for the team's fast-break pace. Integrating his interior-focused playstyle into the team's European-leaning system remains the central tactical focus for the coaching staff.
What happens next
The Indiana Pacers have scheduled preseason games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Milwaukee Bucks from October 7-16, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current team structure and upcoming schedule, visit our Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eurohoops.
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