Many Indianapolis Colts fans were looking forward to the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery on Sunday afternoon on ABC. These Colts fans have not had much success over the last five years, but they have seen success with the Indiana Pacers. They were one win away from winning the NBA Championship in 2025, but things went south for them in 2025-2026 and finished with a 19-63 record.
USATSI 28717612 168422142 lowres
Apr 12, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Indiana had the second worst record in the NBA. They had one of the best chances to land a Top 4 pick in the loaded 2026 NBA Draft. The Pacers had a Top 4 protected pick from a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. They also acquired Ivica Zubac in the same trade. When the lottery was announced, the Pacers pick fell out of the Top 4 and it landed with the Clippers at five. Indiana fans are not surprised about this at all for them. Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard said,
“I’m really sorry to all our fans. I own taking this risk. Surprised it came up 5th after this year. I thought we were due some luck. But please remember – this team deserved a starting center to compete with the best teams next year. We have always been resilient.”
He is not wrong. The Brooklyn Nets also slid down from three to six in the 2026 NBA Draft, while the Chicago Bulls and the Memphis Grizzlies moved up in the draft. Indiana fans believe that even if they landed a Top 4 selection, they would have traded that pick away anyways. The Pacers are looking to get back into championship contention next season.
Indianapolis Colts/Pacers Fans Forgive Kevin Pritchard For Trading the Pick
USATSI 28717607 168422142 lowres
Apr 12, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (5) shoots the ball in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Pacers fans are not mad at Pritchard for trading the pick, they are mad at the NBA for “rigging” the lottery. This is what the Indianapolis sports fanbase had to say about losing a Top 4 selection on Twitter:
It’s okay Kev, it was rigged
— Pacers Lead (@PacersLead) May 10, 2026
Coming on here and directly taking the heat takes huge balls and lets me know the franchise is in really good hands. Well done.
— cdub (@willic01) May 10, 2026
NBA is rigged, most thought the Pacers would not get that pick.
— Donald webb (@Donaldwebb33552) May 11, 2026
We support you. There’s risk when trying to win a title.
Improve this team. Spend into the tax
You owe it to us
— Bucket (@thatchthoughts) May 10, 2026
We’re behind you KP. You built us a contender with or without the pick
— PacersEnjoyer (@PacersEnjoyer) May 10, 2026
A lot of Colts/Pacers fans support Pritchard and know that Indiana’s basketball team is in good hands moving forward. With that being said, there are a lot of Indiana fans who wish Colts general manager Chris Ballard was also this responsible for his mistakes as well.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @glennkaplan13 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!