Pacers president issues apology to fans after massively losing in NBA Draft Lottery

Instead, they have to face a gruesome reality. The Pacers had a 52.1% chance of landing a pick within the top four of the NBA Draft. They got called as the fifth pick which was such a sad mortgage of their future. This meant that the Clippers got to keep their pick because the protection ranged from picks five to nine due to the Zubac trade. They also traded their second-round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies a while back.

President Kevin Pritchard saw all of this unfold in the NBA Draft Lottery and apologized to the Pacers fans, via X.

"I'm really sorry to all our fans. I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th 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 president said.

There is still hope for the Pacers front office. They could conduct a swap of one of their future picks for a chance to land a rookie in 2026. But, this will be a hard pursuit for Pritchard and Co. given that all teams in the league will have a big asking price knowing that the Pacers do not have a pick in the NBA Draft.

More Pacers News:

1. Pacers lose No. 5 pick: Tyrese Haliburton reacts as Ivica Zubac deal results in Clippers taking Indiana's pick

2. Wizards fans have mixed reactions after getting No. 1 pick in 2026 NBA Draft

3. Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton shares major injury recovery update