Pacers Lose Draft Pick After Lottery Result, Team President Says Sorry to Fans
The Indiana Pacers lost a valuable NBA draft pick after the 2026 Draft Lottery, and team president Kevin Pritchard apologized to fans. The team had made a risky decision with its draft protection, hoping to keep the pick if it landed in the top four. Instead, the pick moved to No. 5, which meant it went to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Pritchard said he takes full responsibility for the result. He explained that the team knew there was a risk when it made the decision, but believed it was the best choice at the time. After the lottery did not go in Indiana’s favor, he said he understood why fans were disappointed.
The Pacers had top-four protection on the pick. This means the team could keep it only if it landed at No. 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the lottery. Because it fell just outside that range, Indiana lost the pick completely. This outcome was especially frustrating because the difference between keeping and losing the pick was only one position.
The lost draft pick now goes to the Pelicans because of an earlier trade agreement. For the Pacers, the result is an important setback as they continue trying to build a stronger team for the future. Draft picks are often important for adding young talent, so losing this one could affect the team’s plans.
Although the result cannot be changed, Pritchard said the organization will move forward. His message to fans was direct: the team took a chance, the chance did not work, and he accepts the blame. The Pacers will now need to focus on other ways to improve their roster in the coming seasons.