With the Pacers, Ivica Zubac is preparing to improve his game

Transfer d’Ivica Zubac to the Pacers was the biggest move in the final hours of the trade deadline. However, the Croat himself was not surprised. Mentioned in rumors before the trade deadline, the pivot knew there was a strong possibility he could leave Los Angeles.

“When I saw Lawrence Frank calling me, I knew the reason for the call before I even answered. explains Ivica Zubac on his transfer. “I knew there was a possibility, but when it happens, it’s obviously a shock. I spent a lot of time in Los Angeles and with the Clippers. I have a lot of memories here.”

The shock must have been all the more important for Ivica Zubac, who is changing cities for the first time in his career. In 2019, he moved from the Lakers to the Clippers, which saved him from moving. Now, a radical change of atmosphere by arriving in Indianapolis, away from the glitz and glamor of the City of Angels.

In addition to discovering a new city, Ivica Zubac is preparing to discover a new style of play. Accustomed to playing with the slow pace of the James Harden – Kawhi Leonard duo, he will have to adapt to a much faster game.

The end of the season to adapt to a faster game

With or without Tyrese HalliburtonThe Pacers are thus in the Top 10 of the NBA in terms of pace.

“We didn’t play that fast, so there will be a period of adaptation,” admits the new recruit when asked to compare the play of the Clippers and Pacers. “I’ll use the end of the season and this summer to prepare for that, to get used to the pace of play that Rick (Carlisle) wants for this team. I’ll be ready.”

However, Ivica Zubac’s first match in new colors may have to wait. Rick Carlisle announced that his new center has an ankle injury and is not scheduled to return. The Croatian already suffered an ankle injury at the end of December, but he missed only two weeks of competition.

This physical flaw is backfiring on the Pacers, who need to lose as many games as possible to hope to finish in the Top 4 of the draft. As a reminder, if their “spike” is between 5 and 9, he will go to the Clippers.

Is a change in style expected?

Ivica Zubac, however, should play again this season to begin adapting to the Pacers’ game and be able to fully fill the hole left by his departure. Miles Turner, went to Milwaukee last summer.

“This team needs an inside presence, a rebounder, a screen setter and a player who can punish mismatches,” affirms Ivica Zubac. “I’m going to talk a lot about defense. I communicate a lot on this side of the field. There are a lot of areas where I can easily fit in and I can’t wait to get started.”

In addition to its integration, Rick Carlisle wants the interior style to evolve and hopes to move away from the basket.

“I’ll be in the corner more often than the ‘dunk spot’ (back line)” Croatian continues. “I’m used to being in that spot when I want the ball, but Rick doesn’t want it. He wants me in the corner and if I have the ball, I have to go on to the next action. I’m going to have to get used to leaving this ‘dunk spot’ and stretching the court. It doesn’t seem like much to say so, but I’ve always been in the habit of shooting the corner in ten years. I didn’t get a lot of opportunities with the Clippers. I’ve always worked on it and I wanted more opportunities to do it.

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.