As a fully developed, seven-foot all-star talent, Ivica Zubac has helped carry the LA Clippers inside the paint for head coach Tyronn Lue. He is the team's two-way nucleus, and without his post-dominance, the Clippers' ship would have already sunk in the Western Conference.
Without superstar Paul George, many knew Zubac would glide to star-level status, especially after how much he contributed in the Olympics. The types of performances he had for his home country helped build confidence for a jam-packed season.
Furthermore, Zubac has built the best hook shot in the NBA. This move is nearly a guaranteed basket for Lue, as it can be shot from different distances over any player in basketball. Hence, the Croatian star has been superbly efficient, with a major increase in points and attempts.
Defensively, the star big man has opponents hesitating before attempting a shot at the cup. His hand-eye coordination has improved significantly, allowing him to contest and block anyone in the paint.
Though Zubac has been soaring all season for the Clippers, he has been playing like one of the NBA's best centers recently. This two-way boost is taking place right as LA needs more points to cover the gap in injuries.
Ivica Zubac is currently on an absurd stretch of ridiculous performances for the LA Clippers
With Kawhi Leonard's inconsistent availability and Norman Powell's injury, Ivica Zubac has done a fantastic job covering Tyronn Lue's offensive gap. Running plays between him and James Harden has been one of the Clippers' few reliable scoring punches.
Moreover, in 60 games, Zubac has had the best of his nine seasons playing in the NBA, with averages of 15.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, shooting 62.1% from the field. Additionally, he could finish the season as the 2024-25 rebound champion, as he is currently fourth but has the second-most games played of anyone in the top ten.
Regarding his last ten games, Zubac is posting 18.3 points and 11.4 rebounds. However, three of his last four are over 20-point double-doubles, including a near-perfect 35-point display against the Phoenix Suns.
Because of his recent excellence, Zubac is clinching himself a spot on the all-defensive team and could finish on the leaderboard for the NBA's Most Improved Player award.
That said, if Zubac persists with his two-way prowess, the Clippers will be balanced enough on both ends of the court to pick up where they left off as the sixth seed in the Western Conference.