Tyrese Haliburton Believes Ivica Zubac Will Transform His Game With Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton anticipates that playing alongside Ivica Zubac next season will significantly elevate his game for the Indiana Pacers. During an appearance on the Numbers on the Board podcast, Haliburton expressed excitement about the potential transformation his offensive contributions could experience due to Zubac's screen-setting abilities.

Haliburton, a two-time All-Star and renowned playmaker, believes Zubac's physical presence and screen-setting will provide him with a fresh weapon in his offensive arsenal. Zubac, who arrived in Indiana at last season's trade deadline, faced injuries during his initial stint with the team, appearing in only five games and averaging 11.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

Despite this, Zubac has demonstrated consistent growth over the past few seasons, averaging 10.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and shooting 61.4% from the field throughout his career. His standout season last year saw him amass 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting 62.8% from the field, earning him a sixth-place finish in the Defensive Player of the Year rankings.

With the Pacers' recent 19-63 record, Haliburton's return from an Achilles tear sustained during the 2025 NBA Finals will be pivotal. Haliburton, who missed the entire 2025 season, is now fully recovered and ready for the upcoming season. His presence alongside Zubac is expected to dramatically impact the Pacers' potential, as Haliburton views the new center as something he has never experienced before. The dynamic duo could be the key to the Pacers' dramatic transformation in the upcoming season.