Pacers apologize after losing top draft pick in lottery due to protected trade clause
The Indiana Pacers’ risky move in the NBA Draft Lottery resulted in them losing their top pick after the selection was awarded to the Los Angeles Clippers. The lottery took place Sunday afternoon, and the Pacers, who finished the season with a 19-63 record, had a 52.1% chance of landing a top-four pick. However, they were ultimately awarded the No. 5 overall pick, which the Clippers now own due to a protected trade clause.
The Pacers included their first-round pick in a trade with the Clippers for Ivica Zubac, but the deal only protected the pick if it fell within the top four. Since the selection was fifth, the Clippers gained ownership of the pick. Pacers team president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard took responsibility for the decision and issued an apology on social media.
“I’m really sorry to all our fans,” Pritchard wrote on X. “I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up fifth after this year. I thought we were due some luck. But please remember – this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year. We have always been resilient.”
The Pacers faced criticism from fans and analysts, who questioned the timing of the trade and the team’s future plans. Critics pointed out that Indiana traded away key players like Myles Turner and Benedict Mathurin, with little in return, in a season marked by tanking efforts. Fans expressed frustration over the loss of a potentially valuable top-five pick in a deep draft class, which includes prospects like AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.
Despite the setback, Indiana is expected to retain key players such as Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith. The 2026 draft class is considered deep, with many experts viewing it as a significant opportunity for rebuilding. The team aims to regroup and improve ahead of the next season, with hopes of overcoming the recent lottery disappointment.
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