In several, unique ways, the LA Clippers have maxed out their superb defenders to the furthest degree possible. Assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy has been an excellent defensive coordinator, as he has located his niche in the Western Conference.
Furthermore, Ivica Zubac has been the Clippers' interior rock and 'ironman' figure due to his eagerness to play every game. Despite how he feels or how sore he is, Zubac strives to appear in all 82 contests.
Zubac has made the highlight reels, particularly on defense, by being comfortable in uncomfortable situations. He could be isolated on an island with a much quicker elite scorer, and he would still force a heavily contested attempt.
However, in the paint, Zubac is the engine for Van Gundy's coordination. He facilitates and takes control of the painted area, making the perimeter defense more manageable for his teammates, who are coerced into fighting through screens and constantly chasing down players who move off the ball.
Nonetheless, Zubac has a window to become a Defensive Player of the Year finalist, as the San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder condition.
Victor Wembanyama's Defensive Player of the Year ineligibility allows Ivica Zubac to be nominated as a finalist.
Because of the 65-game minimum, Victor Wembanyama will not be selected as a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, leaving LA Clippers' star Ivica Zubac with the opportunity to finish in the top three.
Of all the Clippers' top-notch defenders, Zubac has been the best. He has uncovered the secrets of guarding the perimeter, playing the help side, and improving his protection at the cup. His presence is why the Clippers have a defense that is difficult to score on.
This season, the Croatian big man is averaging 15.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, shooting 61.2% from the field in 32.0 minutes for head coach Tyronn Lue. Additionally, he has posted a defensive rating of 106.4, which is second-best among the Clippers behind Kawhi Leonard.
Moreover, Zubac's play and the fact that most of the NBA's top talents will miss the 65-game requirement could direct him closer to the prestigious award and all-defensive honors. Players like Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, and Jalen Suggas are already out.
That said, Zubac's interior prowess, plus the absences of Wembanyama and others, could result in him concluding the season as one of the league's best defensive players, especially as a big man.