LA Clippers: 3 positional battles to keep an eye on during training camp
By Evan Desai
No. 1 positional battle to keep an eye on during LA Clippers training camp: Ivica Zubac vs. Serge Ibaka
The LA Clippers have two starting caliber centers in this league with Ivica Zubac and Serge Ibaka on this roster.
Serge Ibaka is quicker and longer. He proved in his limited postseason action that he uses his quickness to better shadow his assignments on defense, and that length has proven him to still be one of the best shot-blockers in the Western Conference.
He’s averaged two blocks per game over the course of his career, and had a lot of blocks last year. Zubac didn’t, but is the better rebounder.
Zubac led the team in rebounds per game last season, at 7.2. The Clips as a team were in the bottom half of the league in rebounds per game. So they may want to prioritize that in their decision on who should start.
Ibaka provides more offensive versatility because he has a three-point shot, but he’ll also be limited to start this training camp due to his back injury.
Zubac has a major opportunity to sure up that starting spot. After all, Ty Lue gave him the starting job last season when Ibaka got back, after Zubac came off the bench before Ibaka went down.
Next. 3 big storylines coming into training camp. dark
This is how it should be. Training camp should be competitive. The Clips need a mental edge, and this is where they can build that.