Indiana Pacers veterans urge patience for new stars Zubac and Oubre

Six. That is the number of franchises Eddie Johnson played for during his 17-season NBA career. The former Sixth Man of the Year, who spent part of that career with the Indiana Pacers, used that experience to frame the current situation for the franchise's newest players. Speaking on the Query & Company radio show, Johnson argued that the team and its fans must give center Ivica Zubac and wing Kelly Oubre Jr. time to settle in.

Johnson noted that the public often misunderstands the mental toll of changing teams. "People view athletes as robots," he said. "It’s a lot of emotion that goes into changing a team. It’s a lot of emotion that goes into being away from your family." He described the adjustment period as a fifty-fifty proposition. The new player must accept that his role and number of touches may differ from his previous assignment. Simultaneously, his new teammates must stop expecting him to perform exactly as he did elsewhere.

This mutual adjustment requires time, Johnson explained. "When roles change, your game can change," he stated, adding that people have to be patient with the process. He emphasized that the emotional weight of leaving a familiar environment cannot be rushed. For a local team like the Pacers, this means evaluating the newcomers based on their long-term fit rather than their immediate statistical output.

The conversation also touched on the team's current roster depth. Johnson, who is currently calling games for SiriusXM NBA Radio, expressed confidence in the Pacers' standing in the Eastern Conference. He highlighted Pascal Siakam's work ethic from the previous season as a model for the group. "He’s sending a message to the rest of his teammates that no matter what our situation is, I’m going to play hard," Johnson said. He viewed Siakam's consistency as a signal to the rest of the squad.

When asked if other teams have caught up to Indiana's playing style, Johnson pointed to the coaching staff's ability to adapt. He called head coach Rick Carlisle one of the best in the league, specifically praising his in-game adjustments. "Because he allows you to play," Johnson said of the coach. He noted that top teams make changes during the contest, not just in post-game film sessions.

The Pacers are currently in the midst of their 2026 season. Zubac and Oubre Jr. are expected to continue integrating into Carlisle's system. The team's next steps will involve watching how these new dynamics play out in upcoming games. Johnson's comments serve as a reminder to local observers that the final product of this roster rebuild may take several weeks to fully materialize.

Fans can follow the ongoing discussion on the 107.5 The Fan YouTube channel. The show provides additional context on the Pacers' roster moves. Local coverage of the team continues across various media platforms. The integration of Zubac and Oubre Jr. remains a focal point for the franchise as it competes in the East.