Pacers’ Kevin Pritchard apologizes after No. 5 pick goes to Clippers

For the Pacers, the focus quickly shifted from the lottery result to the response.

Team president Kevin Pritchard issued a public apology after Indiana lost its 2026 first-round pick, which landed at No. 5 and will go to the Clippers.

“I’m really sorry to all our fans,” Pritchard wrote on social media. “I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th after this year. I thought we were due some luck.”

The pick was top-four protected as part of the in-season deal that brought Ivica Zubac to Indiana. Once it fell to No. 5, it conveyed to Los Angeles.

Indiana entered the night with the second-worst record and favorable odds to keep the selection, including a strong chance at a top-four pick in a loaded draft. Instead, it slipped just outside that range.

Pritchard defended the move in the same message, noting the team’s need for a starting center as it looks to take a step forward.

The trade package also included Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, a 2029 first-rounder and a future second.

Now, the Clippers hold a top-five pick. The Pacers are left to regroup without one.