Eddie Gill: Zubac Opens ‘Another Layer of Offense’ for the Pacers
Pacers Radio Network analyst and former Pacers guard Eddie Gill joined Jake Query on Query & Company from New Orleans on the Game Day Men’s Health guest line, hours before the season opener.
Zubac and Oubre
Gill said Kelly Oubre Jr. is the easy answer for fitting the Pacers’ pace because of his athleticism, but Ivica Zubac has acclimated “extremely well” too. “The way he hits people and gets that ball handler open is going to open up another layer of offense for this team,” Gill said.
He expects Rick Carlisle to mix fast and slow. “When they do need to slow it down and run some sets and be a little bit more deliberate, they can do that,” he said, pointing to post-ups for Zubac and Pascal Siakam and a small lineup with Obi Toppin. He also expects nine- to 10-man rotations, with Larry Nance Jr. adding depth.
On Oubre’s defense: “He’s right up there with the top of them in terms of being able to guard so many different positions,” Gill said. “And not only being able to, he wants to.”
Jarace Walker’s Growth
Gill said Jarace Walker took a step forward late last season and showed his versatility in the preseason. “He has a great ability to read the game offensively. You can play through him,” he said.
Finding an Identity
From his playing days and 11 years covering the team, Gill said a team knows who it is “right around 20, 25 games.”
The Pacers won the opener, beating the Pelicans 123-120. More: Pacers 2026 season preview and Carlisle on Zubac’s screening. See the Pacers roster and schedule.