The Indiana Pacers feel wronged by the results of the 2026 NBA Draft lottery. The article questions whether this outcome reflects a crime against the team or the implications of the Zubac trade.
Key points
Indiana Pacers feel wronged by the 2026 NBA Draft lottery results
Questions raised about the implications of the Zubac trade
Discussion on accountability for the Pacers' perceived injustice
Zubac tradeIndiana PacersNBA Draft
Doyel: Was NBA Draft lottery result a crime against Pacers – or the verdict on Zubac trade?
The 2026 NBA Draft lottery is over, and the Indiana Pacers have been wronged. That’s beyond debate. Here’s the question:
They were wronged … when?
And … by whom?
Some, including me, see the Pacers as having been wronged Sunday by a lottery process that would allow the team with the second-worst record in the NBA, a team that had two seasons gutted by the same injury to Tyrese Haliburton – Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, and this past season that he missed – to fall out of the top four of the lottery… which means losing their 2026 first-round pick in that February trade for Clippers center Ivica Zubac.
As I wrote Sunday, a 1,400-word piece of fury written in the Orlando airport during a 90-minute layover after a family trip, “The Pacers get nothing in NBA Draft lottery … and it's not right.”
Others, meaning some of you, see Sunday’s lottery result not as the crime here – but as the verdict on that Zubac trade: That the Pacers were wronged in February by team president Kevin Pritchard for negotiating a deal that allowed this to happen.
(For those who don’t know, the crux of that complicated Clippers-Pacers trade was this: The Pacers acquired Zubac for Bennedict Mathurin and several draft picks, including Indiana’s 2026 first-rounder if – and only if – the pick fell outside the top four. Now we know, it was outside the top four. And folks are shouting: !)
Q&A
What happened in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery regarding the Pacers?
The Indiana Pacers believe they were wronged by the results of the 2026 NBA Draft lottery.
How does the Zubac trade relate to the Pacers' draft lottery outcome?
The article explores whether the lottery results serve as a verdict on the Zubac trade made by the Pacers.
Who is responsible for the Pacers feeling wronged in the draft lottery?
The article raises questions about who is to blame for the Pacers' perceived injustice in the draft lottery results.
What are the implications of the Pacers' draft lottery results for their future?
The outcome of the draft lottery could significantly impact the Pacers' strategy and roster decisions moving forward.
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Guilty
Where do you fall? Judging from the reaction by members of my IndyStar text group – more than 3,000 have signed up, it’s free, so join us at the link below any of my online columns! – Pacers fans are mixed.
Let’s explore in the Mailbagg™.
Wayman Tisdale with the Indiana Pacers in 1988.
10-02-97///Pacers center Rik Smits was all smiles as he joked with reporters on media day at Market Square Arena.
George McCloud, the number one draft pick of the Pacers in 1989 sits at a table with team general manager Donnie Walsh.
Austin Croshere parlayed his play in the Finals into big money.
Feb 3, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jerryd Bayless (0) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) defends in the first half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots during the scrimmage portion of Pacers FanJam on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte (3) stands during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) shoots the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the first half of a game Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) walks up the court Tuesday, April 7, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
1 / 9
See every Indiana Pacers lottery pick from Wayman Tisdale to Jarace Walker
Wayman Tisdale with the Indiana Pacers in 1988.
1 / 9
See every Indiana Pacers lottery pick from Wayman Tisdale to Jarace Walker
Wayman Tisdale with the Indiana Pacers in 1988.
2 / 9
See every Indiana Pacers lottery pick from Wayman Tisdale to Jarace Walker
10-02-97///Pacers center Rik Smits was all smiles as he joked with reporters on media day at Market Square Arena.
3 / 9
See every Indiana Pacers lottery pick from Wayman Tisdale to Jarace Walker
George McCloud, the number one draft pick of the Pacers in 1989 sits at a table with team general manager Donnie Walsh.
4 / 9
See every Indiana Pacers lottery pick from Wayman Tisdale to Jarace Walker
Austin Croshere parlayed his play in the Finals into big money.
5 / 9
See every Indiana Pacers lottery pick from Wayman Tisdale to Jarace Walker
Feb 3, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jerryd Bayless (0) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) defends in the first half at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
6 / 9
See every Indiana Pacers lottery pick from Wayman Tisdale to Jarace Walker
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots during the scrimmage portion of Pacers FanJam on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
7 / 9
See every Indiana Pacers lottery pick from Wayman Tisdale to Jarace Walker
Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte (3) stands during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
8 / 9
See every Indiana Pacers lottery pick from Wayman Tisdale to Jarace Walker
Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) shoots the ball against the Sacramento Kings during the first half of a game Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
9 / 9
See every Indiana Pacers lottery pick from Wayman Tisdale to Jarace Walker
Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) walks up the court Tuesday, April 7, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Hell, Boomer is probably already looking to get traded.
Did I mention how screwed we are?
How dare them. They gave us a reason to be hopeful. They convinced us we were almost there. Then it was ripped away.
We're screwed.
I wrote what I wrote. You wrote what you wrote. And to be honest, you wrote yours better than I wrote mine. I thought I was mad? Man, I can feel your contempt. Well done, sir.
But don’t ever outwrite me again.
From: Martin B.
Do you see shenanigans?
No, I don’t think the NBA did anything untoward. This wasn’t a message from the NBA. It was just awful luck.
From: Dave C.
Our usual Indy luck.
Yup. Which is what I wrote Sunday from the Orlando airport, outside Gate 121, where I watched the lottery on my wife’s laptop and shouted “NO” when the No. 5 pick was revealed.
More on Pacers falling from 2026 NBA Draft lottery
From: Jim D.
It just hurts all over. For Slick and Nancy. For the Simons, for Mel and Roger and Neto and on and on. But especially for the fans who sat in the smoke-filled Coliseum and Market Square Arena with curtains lowered to half-mast, who rescued the team with a telethon. Nothing ever falls our way. Hard not to question a drawing that's not done live for all to see.
Another incredibly written reaction. Getting tired of you people outwriting me…
More from you. And less from me…
From: Kris S.
Just felt like that would happen. Only to the Pacers.
From: Zach M.
I can't believe that happened.
From: Tim S.
The NBA screwed the Pacers? Hand me my shocked face.
From: Darren T.
When I read it, I felt crushed for the Pacers. I can't imagine how TJ McConnell was feeling, sitting up there on that stage.
From: Scott B.
Old Gregg Doyel would not have been so kind to KP. It was his choice to include this pick in this format. He could have said NO when the Clippers asked about it. But this is all necessary because he was chasing the losses from how badly he botched the Myles Turner negotiations from a year ago.
Who you calling old? Wait … who you calling young?!?
Pacers president Kevin Pritchard apologizes
This happened Monday afternoon:
From: Me to the group
Hey guys. I'm working on our Mailbagg, and noting your anger at the NBA, the lottery ... and Pacers president Kevin Pritchard. Did you see his apology? What do you think?
The response surprised and heartened me. Within five minutes I’d received texts from roughly 50 people – I see everything; group members see only what I share – and more than 90% were positive. Amazing.
Here’s a random sampling, in order. No comments needed from me. As usual. Maybe AI can do the next Mailbagg, for all I’m needed…
I was very disappointed and was initially angry with the Pacers' organization. The apology meant a lot given today's environment of spinning, lying and deflecting about the truth. Their past has shown they can make great moves, many more times than not.
From: Don Ho.
Pritchard has done a great job in pulling rabbits out of hats – turning George into Victor Oladipo AND Domas Sabonis, or getting Obi Toppin for next to nothing for example. He took a calculated and smart risk on the draft and lost, but the Pacers are still better with Zubac than they’d be with the fifth pick and Mathurin. Judging Pritchard with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight is unfair. He took his shot, and the odds gods didn't smile on him.
From: Craig E.
They got the player they wanted at the price they agreed to. They made the deal and now they're "heartbroken"? They knew how the lottery works and the possibility this could happen when they made the deal.
From: Geoff R.
This will turn out to be the worst in Pacer history! We traded a player averaging 16 points ppg for a center, which would be OK, but to also trade away a chance to get a good pick and future picks! Sad.
From: Vance W.
I think people need to stop attaching themselves to specific outcomes and more to a flawed, human, lovable team. Our identity is around loyalty, shared suffering and love of basketball. Like the Cubs before they won a series.
From: Matt D.
The Pacers would’ve been happy to get a playoff-experienced veteran center at that pick, right? Well, they did. It's kind of like the Colts acquiring Sauce Gardner for a first-rounder – the upside value of a guy at that age and current productivity is higher than a (granted, maybe NBA ready) prospect. Of course it would be nice to have our cake and eat it too, but it seems like we got some freaking great cake, man.
From: Melissa L.
I think the lottery is dumb. I don't know why Pritchard needs to apologize. We saw the risk when he traded for Z. He knew the risk and thought it was worth it. We needed a proven center. Draftees are a hope, and maybe not a “win now” no matter how good they are. So I consider Z as our first-round pick. Same as Colts did with Sauce.
From: William H.
If someone wants to waste energy being mad, they should be mad at Myles Turner. That's where it all began. If he stays, we don't trade for a center.
Mother’s Day without Mom
This was my first Mother’s Day since my mom died in September. Had no intention of writing something until I sat down, opened the laptop and … started writing something. Call it a combination of catharsis and gratitude.
My mom's been gone for nearly 47 years and I think about her every day.
From: Mike C.
Second Mother's Day without mine. See her all the time.
From: Lisa R.
I also lost my mom this past August, so I know how you feel. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of her.
From: Ken C.
I was blessed to have an amazing mom too. I lost her in 2000. Like you, I still find her around my house. Blessed to have saved her last voicemail. I get to hear voice and always an “I love you” at the end. Thanks for your column.
Teasing future column on Rich Mount
From: Me to group
Good afternoon. Got back a while ago from interviewing Maj. Rich Mount of the Lebanon police department. Recognize that name? His dad is Rick Mount, the former Lebanon/Purdue star. Rich wasn't so bad either, scoring more than 2,000 points at Lebanon.
Rich has been on my bucket list of columns to write, this incredible name from this incredible basketball family becoming a cop in the same town where his dad – and granddad, Pete – were high school legends.
Not writing it for a week or two, but I'll share it here first.
Your responses below…
From: Jeff M.
Small world – I grew up a few houses away from the Mounts and played basketball for Lebanon a few years before Richie.
From: William H.
I graduated from Carmel before it became notorious for obscene wealth, and when Rick was still killing it at Lebanon. After a regrettable 13 months in Vietnam, I was back at IU when Rick was killing us from deeeeep.
From: John H.
I'm really excited to read your upcoming column about Rich Mount! I was a huge fan of his dad while I was growing up. I'd go out to our driveway and practice Rick’s moves – when he would run down the right side of the court and release the ball while falling out of bounds … and the ball would SWISH through the net!
I was like thousands of other kids, emulating Rick Mount.
Re: your column on Colts safety Hunter Wohler. Love your imaginative theme – “I’m trying to lower your expectations, but I just can't” – and the way you fulfilled it throughout the column.
