Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard Issues Apology After Shocking NBA Draft Lottery Fall to No. 5
Indiana Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard issued a candid apology after the team’s 2026 NBA Draft Lottery pick shockingly fell to No. 5, resulting in its transfer to the Los Angeles Clippers. This outcome stemmed from a top-four protected pick traded in the Ivica Zubac deal, a move Pritchard took full responsibility for.
While the loss of a pick in a strong draft class stings, the silver lining is the voiding of an unprotected 2031 first-round pick obligation, granting the Pacers more future asset flexibility as they seek to address roster needs this offseason.