The Indiana Pacers used their players-only minicamp in Nashville, Tennessee a few weeks ago as the first opportunity for Ivica Zubac, Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam to share the floor. Zubac, acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers at the February trade deadline, played just five games before a broken rib ended his season, while Haliburton and Siakam were sidelined with injuries.
Speaking at Pacers media day, Haliburton said the on-court connection is already taking shape. "The chemistry is coming along well," Haliburton said. "The more experience and the more time we get together, the more it's going to help." He added that Zubac's off-court presence matches his reputation: "He's a really cool dude, which I've heard that from everybody who's been around him."
Haliburton acknowledged the adjustment from his previous pick-and-roll partner, Myles Turner, who stretched the floor as a spacer and shooter. "Zu is a very physical guy, hard screen setter, roller, plays more above the rim with lobs and rebounding," Haliburton said.
Siakam was equally effusive about his new teammate. "He's a massive human being and he's awful smart," Siakam said, praising Zubac's high basketball IQ and passing vision. "Just a phenomenal basketball player."
Zubac said attending the minicamp was important after joining midseason. "Being on a new team and having such high expectations, it's better to start a little earlier," he said, adding he spent the summer refining his game and improving conditioning.
