Ivica Zubac, one of the most important players on the LA Clippers
Ivica Zubac has been extremely important to the LA Clippers success over the last few years. After being traded at the deadline in 2019 for Mike Muscala, Zubac came to the Clippers and made an instant impact. When Zubac arrived in the NBA in 2017, many worried that he would not be able to adjust to the NBA level. Zubac’s defensive ability was also of big concern.
Zubac came to the league and he did not disappoint. Playing in only 38 games for the Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged 7.5 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game in only 16 minutes a game. These numbers are phenomenal, especially for a player who many thought would not last in the league. As Zubac progressed through his time with the Lakers, his role did not get much bigger. In Zubac’s second season with the Lakers, he only played 43 games. Zubac was also in and out of the G-League.
With Zubac’s role decreasing, this was a sign that the Lakers were likely going to make a trade very soon. In the last moments of the 2019 trade deadline, the Lakers moved Zubac to the LA Clippers. The Clippers needed a center as Marcin Gortat had the starting job. As soon as Zubac made his debut, fans knew the LA Clippers found their center for the future. Let’s dive in and see how good Ivica Zubac is.
Ivica Zubac Is The Most Underrated Center In The NBA.
Ivica Zubac has been extremely reliable since joining the LA Clippers. Zubac has missed a very small number of games throughout his time with the Clippers. What also stands out is his rim protection. In his time with the Clippers, Zubac averages 0.93 blocks per game. As this number may not stand out, Zubac averages 21.3 minutes per game since joining the Clippers. Zubac’s block percentage in 2021 came out to 3.4%. To put this in perspective, one of the league’s best defensive players, Giannis Antetokounmpo, had a block percentage of 3.2%.
Zubac is also an unbelievable rebounder. Since joining the LA Clippers, Zubac averages 7.7 rebounds per game. This is extremely well considering the number of minutes Zubac plays. Zubac closed out the best season of his career in 2022 averaging 10.3 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, 1.6 assists per game, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 62.6% from the field. Zubac also played a career-high 24.4 minutes a night. As these numbers look very well, below are some of Zubac’s best performances throughout the 2021-22 NBA season.
December 26, 2021, versus the Denver Nuggets – 17 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks, 27 minutes
January 19, 2022, versus the Denver Nuggets – 32 points, 10 rebounds, 78.9 FG%
February 27, 2022, versus the Houston Rockets – 14 points, 15 rebounds, 6 blocks, 100 FG%
March 1, 2022, versus the Houston Rockets – 22 points, 12 rebounds, 66.7 FG%, 25 minutes
March 14, 2022, versus the Cleveland Cavaliers – 24 points, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks
After looking at these performances, it is clear that Zubac is extremely important to the LA Clippers success. Additionally, Zubac closed the season out with four straight double-doubles as.
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After looking back through Zubac’s career, defensive abilities, and phenomenal performances, it is very easy to see how important Zubac is. He’s also due for an extension. Entering his fourth full season with the LA Clippers and what may be his most important season, Zubac’s impact on both ends is extremely impressive. Zubac is easily one of the most overlooked players in all of basketball. It is time to start giving him the attention he deserves!