After a rough season in Indiana, Pacers fans were hoping for a little relief in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on Sunday, May 10. With the second-worst record in the league (19–63), the expectation was simple: a high pick and a chance to rebuild.
But the lottery didn’t play along.
A tough twist on lottery night
Instead of landing a top selection, Indiana’s name came up at No. 5. That stung even more because the pick wasn’t even fully theirs anymore.
Here’s the catch:
- The Pacers had already traded the pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for Ivica Zubac
- It was only protected in the top-four, so slipping to No. 5 meant they lost it
So after a season many believed was a “tank for talent” year, the result felt like a gut punch.
Fans reacted fast—and loud
The frustration online showed up immediately. Some fans questioned the front office moves, especially given what they gave up and what they got in return.
A few common reactions included:
- Confusion over trading a high-value pick for a center like Ivica Zubac
- Anger about losing future assets with little perceived return
- Disappointment after a season that ended with no lottery payoff
One fan summed up the mood bluntly, saying they couldn’t understand giving up a top pick in such a strong draft for that deal.
Pacers leadership responds
Team president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard didn’t hide from the moment. He publicly addressed the situation and apologized to fans.
He admitted he took the risk and said he expected better luck after the team’s tough season. Still, he defended the move as part of building a roster that could compete right away, especially at the center position.
A few things worth remembering
Even with the frustration, there are still reasons for optimism in Indiana:
- ⭐ Star guard Tyrese Haliburton is expected back after recovering from a torn Achilles
- ⭐ The team still has pieces to build around moving forward
- ⭐ A 19-win season is unlikely to define their next year
And while this lottery outcome hurts, the Pacers aren’t expected to stay at the bottom for long. With Haliburton’s return and roster adjustments ahead, next season could look very different.
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