Pacers president Kevin Pritchard apologized to Indiana fans and said he accepts responsibility after the franchise lost this year’s No. 5 pick.
The pick had previously been traded to the Clippers with protections as part of a deal for center Ivica Zubac. With the protections no longer preventing the selection from conveying, Indiana will not retain the high lottery pick.
Pritchard Takes Ownership
Pritchard said he “owns” the outcome, acknowledging the disappointment for a fan base that saw the team miss out on a valuable draft asset near the top of the board.
The loss of the No. 5 pick is a significant development for the Pacers’ roster-building plans, as lottery selections are among the league’s most important tools for adding young talent. Pritchard’s comments were aimed directly at fans, with an apology for the result of the earlier trade and its protections.