No. 2 player who will be essential off the bench for the LA Clippers: Ivica Zubac
The LA Clippers need somebody on their bench to anchor the team down low, and that’s exactly the type of player that Ivica Zubac is.
Zubac is a menacing 7 footer who’s aggressive and may even start this year. I have him as the likely backup, and if he does come off the bench, he needs to be one of the best players on the court when he’s out there.
Zubac is essential because he helps with court spacing. This is a wing-heavy team, and Zubac makes his money down low at the basket.
In fact, look at the postseason last year. He took a total of one shot outside the paint. Yes, just one.
Having him as the only big man out there with a bunch of great shooters around the perimeter leaves the paint open. If Bledsoe or Mann can slash and steal the opposing big man’s attention, they’ll be able to find Zubac for strong finishes at the rim.
Those easy looks at the rim won’t be there if Zubac can’t convert when he’s out there. All he’s got to do is be a strong finisher and the Clips’ second-team could look really impressive.