Indiana Pacers starting center Ivica Zubac has tumbled 30 places in ESPN's NBA player rankings for the 2026-27 season. He fell from No. 36 last year to No. 66 in the new list, a significant drop for the team's defensive anchor. This news follows a tough stretch for the Pacers, who are 1-4 in their last five games and lost their most recent contest 121-133 to the Detroit Pistons on April 12.
ESPN's analysis points directly to injury and a mid-season trade. Zubac was coming off a career year where he averaged 12.6 rebounds and made the NBA's All-Defensive Second Team. He was tracking for another double-double season before getting hurt. The big man was then dealt from the LA Clippers to Indiana, where he managed only five games. In those appearances, Zubac put up 11.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. The ranking reflects the disruption of his previous rhythm.
The Pacers' investment in Zubac is now under a brighter spotlight. Indiana traded significant future draft capital to acquire him, including a 2026 first-round pick that just conveyed to the Clippers after the lottery. The team passed on a chance to draft a top prospect like AJ Dybantsa or Cameron Boozer. Their postseason hopes are tied to Zubac returning to his elite defensive form. He's seen as the interior anchor for a core featuring Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. His rebounding and rim protection are non-negotiable for a team that just gave up 133 points to Detroit.
The Pacers' form has been rocky, with losses in four of their last five. After the defeat to the Pistons, they also fell 94-105 to the Philadelphia 76ers on April 10. Their lone win in this stretch was a 123-94 rout of the Brooklyn Nets on April 9. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton addressed the draft pick outcome linked to the Zubac trade. "I mean, it was a coin toss," Haliburton said. "They took a calculated risk. I'm still rolling with the decision and I'm excited to add Zu to the crew." The team's confidence in the center remains public, even as external evaluations cool.
Zubac enters the new season with a clear mission: prove the rankings wrong. His career averages of 10.5 points and 8.3 rebounds are solid, but Indiana needs the version that dominates the glass. Health for him and the core is the primary variable. The front office's gamble will be judged on whether Zubac elevates the team's defense enough to make a real playoff push.
