Years ago, if fans of the LA Clippers could enter a time machine, and simulate the 2024-25 regular season and playoffs to see the star Ivica Zubac has become, their jaws would immediately drop in awe. He was always viewed as a glass-cleaning center, who had a specific role, but never as the go-to scoring option when the Clippers' scoreboard desperately needed an increase in points.
Yet, the takeaway that most fans grasped, once Zubac's ninth season was concluded, is that he has serious potential to be selected as one of the few first-time All-Stars next season, as a 20-point-10-rebound machine.
However, scoring from an unstoppable hook shot and floater, while acting like a sponge for boards, as one of the biggest players on the court, at all times, is not the only area Zubac excels in. He brings an extensive amount of value to the Clippers on both ends of the court, alongside James Harden, as one of the primary reasons why the Clippers were able to come away with 50 wins.
Furthermore, Big Zu is a phenomenal rim protector and one of the best in the world. He is on the same level as players like Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert, and soon, in the 2025-26 season, the NBA will learn his name, keeping him in the debate for the annual Defensive Player of the Year award.
The LA Clippers and their fans know Ivica Zubac is an elite force at the iron, but the rest of the world will follow after just one more season
Ivica Zubac's coverage on the perimeter has been strengthened by his hard work, which is an area LA Clippers fans did not think would arise after being isolated by Luka Dončić in the postseason. Yet, Zubac made such a prominent leap in attaining quick feet that he was in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year this season.
Moreover, perimeter coverage was a secondary justification for Zubac's inclusion in the debate, as the primary reason was his anchor-like presence in the paint. Teams are frightened to have their attempts swatted by the Croatian Star, so instead, they resort to shooting with extra distance to the basket.
Zubac also did a miraculous job on Nikola Jokic in the playoffs, keeping him to a field goal percentage of 4-13 in game five and 6-14 in game seven.
The Clippers' most valuable defender, and soon-to-be All-Star, is unquestionably a level-one guardian in the post, and it is inevitable for the rest of the NBA to realize what he can do.