NBA
McGrady questions Pacers’ Finals return with Haliburton and a changed offense
Tracy McGrady examines the shift from Myles Turner to Ivica Zubac, while Vince Carter and Brian Scalabrine see reasons for optimism in Indiana.
“When they had Myles Turner, it was pick and pop,” Tracy McGrady said of the Indiana Pacers’ changing offense.
McGrady’s question on NBA Showtime, in a segment uploaded October 14, was how Tyrese Haliburton would adjust with Ivica Zubac alongside him. Indiana reached the 2025 NBA Finals with Turner spacing the floor. McGrady wondered whether the Pacers could reproduce that run with a different lineup.
“Can that happen twice with this team?” he asked.
McGrady contrasted Turner’s perimeter role with Zubac rolling toward the basket, receiving lobs and operating closer to the rim. He also identified a benefit: “He’s a great offensive rebounder.” Extra possessions, the panel noted, could produce additional opportunities from outside.
Indiana acquired Zubac from the Clippers in February in a deal that sent Bennedict Mathurin to Los Angeles. Zubac and Haliburton are developing their partnership after the center made only five appearances for Indiana last season. Zubac told The Associated Press that Haliburton releases the ball earlier than the point guards he had previously played with.
Vince Carter pointed to Kelly Oubre Jr. as another addition suited to running with Haliburton. He emphasized Oubre’s experience, confidence and ability to contribute on the perimeter. Carter saw opportunities in Haliburton collecting rebounds and moving the ball ahead before the defense could settle.
Brian Scalabrine expected Indiana to solve the adjustments during the season. His confidence rested on Rick Carlisle’s coaching, Haliburton’s playmaking and the experience around them. McGrady also backed Carlisle’s ability to adapt, while maintaining his questions about how the offense would change.
Haliburton missed 2025–26 as Indiana went 19–63. The September training-camp update outlined his expected return without restrictions. He has since returned in the October 7 preseason game against Minnesota. That was his first appearance since the 2025 Finals. Indiana’s regular-season opener is October 21 at New Orleans.
