Pacers president Kevin Pritchard apologizes for Ivica Zubac trade that cost them lottery pick after falling out of top 4: 'I own taking the risk'
Yahoo Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The Indiana Pacers lost their first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, which fell to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade, despite having a strong chance to secure a top-four pick in a deep draft class.
- The pick was protected only if it landed in the top four, but it fell to No. 5, resulting in the Clippers acquiring a premium draft asset instead of the Pacers.
- Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard apologized to fans, acknowledging the risk taken in the trade and emphasizing the team's need for a starting center to remain competitive.
- The Pacers, who finished with the second-worst record and were hoping to rebound with Tyrese Haliburton returning from injury, now face a setback in their long-term rebuilding plans due to losing this valuable draft pick.
- The trade was partly motivated by replacing Myles Turner and addressing roster needs, but the outcome has left Indiana without a first-round pick in what was expected to be a pivotal draft.