To prosper in the NBA at a high level, players must dedicate summer after summer to grasp the game in every attainable way. Franchise superstar Kawhi Leonard was an elite defender and young draftee, but he evolved into a midrange maestro. Similarly, former MVP James Harden added creativity to his scoring bag, ultimately steering three scoring titles.
Furthermore, big man Ivica Zubac has undergone unique phases that have commenced his prime. He always had the size, but Zubac added pounds of muscle while understanding footwork inside the paint. This is a formidable task with opposing seven-footers smothering the post, but he had the confidence, as did former Clipper Patrick Beverley, to ripen into a star.
In the offseason, with the loss of Paul George, Zubac sensed a major leap in offensive responsibility. He had finally been bumped up to a scoring option for head coach Tyronn Lue, and to ignite his stardom, he conquered an overpowered hook shot.
This shot has been proven to work over anyone, even the best defenders in the NBA. Once he gets to his spot, opponents might as well begin running in the opposite direction to set up their offense.
Nonetheless, the stats behind Zubac's hook shot are impressive, as they italicize why his points have increased significantly.
Ivica Zubac's patented hook shot is ridiculously efficient for the LA Clippers
To no surprise, Ivica Zubac leads the NBA in hook shots attempted this season. This is his bread and butter, and the LA Clippers have needed it, especially in the months Kawhi Leonard was on the injury report.
Moreover, in 299 attempts around the rim, Zubac has shot 59 percent. This is outstanding, as he has a much higher chance of scoring than coming up empty. This percentage also does not factor in the points he has put up from the free-throw strike after being fouled.
Additionally, Zubac's go-to move worked well in the Clippers' recent postseason series against the Dallas Mavericks. Though LA lost, the Croatian star revealed he can remain poised even through intense measures where defenses are trying to speed him up for chaos.
Overall, Zubac has moved up to averages of 16.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, shooting 62.2% from the field. He has done this through 72 games and is pacing for a career-high of 80.
That said, Zubac's breakout has derived from both sides of the ball, but his automatic hook shot is the leading cause of his offensive multiplication.