In the world of basketball, some players may not always get the spotlight, but their contributions are undeniably vital to the success of their teams. One such player is Ivica Zubac, a Croatian center who plays for the Los Angeles Clippers. Known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and efficient scoring inside, Zubac has carved out a niche for himself as one of the most underrated big men in the NBA. This article delves into his career, statistics, and performances, exploring his growth as a player and his impact on the Clippers.
Who Is Ivica Zubac? A Brief Overview
Ivica Zubac, born on March 18, 1997, in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a Croatian professional basketball player currently playing as a center for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. Standing at 7 feet tall, Zubac is known for his size, athleticism, and fundamental skills in the low post. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2016 NBA Draft with the 32nd overall pick. Over time, Zubac has transformed from a promising young player into one of the league’s more reliable big men, becoming an integral part of the Clippers’ roster.
Zubac’s professional journey began in Croatia before he moved to the United States to play college basketball. However, unlike many of his peers, Zubac did not attend college and instead chose to develop his game through professional European leagues before being drafted into the NBA. His versatility, particularly in rebounding and shot-blocking, has made him a valuable asset to any team he has played for.
Early Career and Development
Zubac’s NBA career began in 2016 when he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent part of his rookie year playing for the Los Angeles D-Fenders (now known as the South Bay Lakers) in the NBA G League. Zubac’s transition to the Lakers’ main roster came swiftly as he impressed coaches with his size, mobility, and potential on both ends of the floor.
In his first season, Zubac showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in the latter half of the year, which earned him more minutes on the floor. During his rookie year, Zubac averaged 5.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, but his potential became even more evident in his second season. In the 2017-18 NBA season, Zubac’s minutes and production increased significantly, with averages of 7.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Ivica Zubac’s Statistical Growth Over the Years
Year-by-Year Breakdown: Zubac’s growth as a player can be measured by his increasing production year after year. Below is a detailed year-by-year breakdown of his key statistics.
2016-2017 (Rookie Season)
Games Played: 38
Points per Game: 5.5
Rebounds per Game: 4.0
Blocks per Game: 0.7
Field Goal Percentage: 54.5%
Zubac’s rookie season showed promise, as he was a solid contributor on a rebuilding Lakers team. His ability to finish around the rim and rebound effectively were his primary contributions.
2017-2018
Games Played: 69
Points per Game: 7.5
Rebounds per Game: 5.8
Blocks per Game: 1.1
Field Goal Percentage: 59.0%
In his second season, Zubac showed noticeable improvements, particularly in rebounding and shot-blocking. His efficiency around the basket became a key aspect of his game.
2018-2019 (Trade to Clippers)
Games Played: 77
Points per Game: 8.5
Rebounds per Game: 6.9
Blocks per Game: 1.4
Field Goal Percentage: 59.3%
Zubac was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers mid-season, which turned out to be a pivotal moment in his career. His stats remained solid, but his defensive improvements and ability to contribute in various ways became more apparent.
2019-2020
Games Played: 72
Points per Game: 8.7
Rebounds per Game: 7.5
Blocks per Game: 1.1
Field Goal Percentage: 62.3%
In his first full season with the Clippers, Zubac became a fixture in their lineup. His rebounding numbers soared, and he continued to be an efficient scorer in the paint.
2020-2021
Games Played: 68
Points per Game: 10.3
Rebounds per Game: 8.5
Blocks per Game: 1.3
Field Goal Percentage: 60.7%
Zubac had his best statistical season in terms of scoring in 2020-2021. His offensive efficiency remained high, and he continued to be a strong presence on the boards.
Key Career Highs and Milestones
Career High Points: 24 (Achieved in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021)
Career High Rebounds: 21 (Achieved in a game against the Detroit Pistons in 2020)
Career High Blocks: 5 (Achieved in a game against the Phoenix Suns in 2021)
Zubac’s ability to dominate in specific games, particularly with rebounding and shot-blocking, highlights his evolving game. His career high of 24 points came during a standout performance, where he displayed his growth as a reliable offensive option in the paint.
Key Stats: What Makes Zubac Stand Out?
Points Per Game: While Zubac may not be known for his scoring ability compared to other centers, he has developed into a reliable scoring threat. His offensive game is centered around post-ups, pick-and-roll actions, and finishing around the rim. He has averaged double-digit points per game in multiple seasons, showing consistency as a scoring big man.
Rebounds and Blocks: Zubac’s rebounding and shot-blocking are his bread and butter. Over the years, his ability to clean the glass has improved significantly. Zubac’s 8.5 rebounds per game during the 2020-2021 season demonstrate his dominance on the boards. His shot-blocking ability, averaging over 1 block per game consistently, provides a defensive anchor for the Clippers.
Field Goal Efficiency and Shooting: Zubac is known for his high field goal percentage due to his efficient play inside the paint. His field goal percentage has consistently hovered above 60%, making him one of the more efficient centers in the league. His ability to convert easy shots around the basket helps him maintain a strong offensive presence without relying on long-range shooting.
Defensive Impact: Zubac’s defensive impact is often understated. His ability to contest shots, protect the rim, and defend without fouling is valuable for a team like the Clippers, which has relied on their defensive prowess. Zubac’s size, combined with his improving defensive IQ, makes him a difficult player to score on in the low post.
Comparing Zubac with Other NBA Centers
Zubac’s Impact in the Paint: When compared to other centers in the NBA, Zubac’s efficiency in the paint is among the best. Players like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Rudy Gobert often steal the headlines for their offensive and defensive dominance, but Zubac’s reliable scoring, rim protection, and rebounding place him among the upper echelon of centers who contribute quietly but significantly.
Defending Against Elite Centers: Zubac is often tasked with defending against some of the league’s most dominant centers, and his ability to hold his own in these matchups is noteworthy. Whether it’s defending Embiid’s size or Jokic’s skill set, Zubac’s size, mobility, and intelligence make him a formidable defender in the paint.
Zubac’s Role in the Los Angeles Clippers’ Success
Zubac’s Impact on Team Performance: Zubac has become a crucial part of the Clippers’ success, especially as a defensive anchor. His rebounding and shot-blocking have allowed the Clippers to maintain a solid defensive identity. Zubac’s efficiency around the basket also complements the team’s offensive system, which often relies on Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to handle the scoring load.
Playing Alongside Superstar Teammates: Playing alongside superstars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George has allowed Zubac to thrive in a role that emphasizes his strengths. By focusing on defense, rebounding, and providing rim protection, Zubac allows the Clippers’ star players to do what they do best score the basketball. Zubac’s ability to fit into the team’s system is a testament to his basketball IQ and understanding of his role.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Fans on social media have frequently praised Zubac for his consistency and his role in the Clippers’ success. Many fans have pointed to his efficiency in the paint as a key asset, while others have highlighted his improvement over the years as one of the most underrated success stories in the NBA.
What Experts Are Saying About Zubac’s Development
NBA analysts and former players have lauded Zubac for his work ethic and improvement each season. Many experts agree that while Zubac may not be a household name, his steady production and ability to complement his superstar teammates make him one of the most valuable centers in the NBA.
The Future of Ivica Zubac: What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Zubac’s future appears bright. As the Clippers continue to compete for an NBA championship, Zubac’s contributions will remain integral to their success. If Zubac continues to improve on defense and expands his offensive game, he could very well be recognized as one of the top centers in the NBA.
Zubac’s Place in the NBA
Ivica Zubac’s journey from a second-round pick to a key player for one of the most talented teams in the NBA is a testament to his work ethic, growth, and commitment to improving his game. While he may not always garner the attention of other centers in the league, his contributions to the Los Angeles Clippers cannot be overstated. With his rebounding, shot-blocking, and efficiency in the paint, Zubac has solidified himself as one of the most reliable big men in the league today.
FAQs
What is Ivica Zubac’s role on the Los Angeles Clippers?
Ivica Zubac serves as the starting center for the Los Angeles Clippers. His primary role is to protect the rim, grab rebounds, and provide a strong presence in the paint. Zubac is also key to the team’s pick-and-roll offense, setting screens for guards and cutting to the basket for easy dunks or layups. His defensive capabilities, particularly his shot-blocking and rebounding, are crucial for the Clippers.
What is Ivica Zubac’s free throw percentage?
Ivica Zubac’s free throw percentage is an area where he has struggled throughout his career. As of the 2024-2025 season, his free throw percentage is around 56.8%. This is relatively low for a center, and it’s an aspect of his game that he continues to work on.
How good is Ivica Zubac defensively?
Zubac is known for his solid defense, especially as a rim protector. With an average of 1.0 blocks per game, he provides a reliable presence in the paint for the Clippers. He is also a strong rebounder, with career averages of 7.5 rebounds per game, which helps the Clippers secure possession after missed shots. Zubac’s ability to guard pick-and-roll situations and contest shots makes him a valuable defensive asset for the team.
How does Ivica Zubac compare to other NBA centers?
Zubac is often compared to other starting centers in the NBA, particularly in terms of his rebounding and field goal percentage. While he may not have the offensive skills of stars like Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokić, his efficiency in the paint and his defensive contributions are highly regarded. His field goal percentage of 63.7% is one of the highest for centers, illustrating his ability to score efficiently around the rim.
What is Ivica Zubac’s impact in the postseason?
Zubac has had a solid impact in the playoffs, particularly in the 2021-2022 season. In the 2021 NBA Playoffs, he played a crucial role in helping the Clippers make a deep run. He averaged 9.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in the playoffs, showing his ability to step up in big moments. Though the Clippers did not win the title, Zubac’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively made him an important piece in their postseason success.
In Summary
Ivica Zubac may not always be in the spotlight, but his consistent and impactful play makes him a vital part of the Los Angeles Clippers’ success. With standout strengths in rebounding, efficient scoring, and interior defense, he has grown into one of the league’s most reliable big men. Whether you’re a Clippers fan, a fantasy basketball player, or just a hoops enthusiast, keeping tabs on Zubac’s stats offers insight into how crucial role players can shape the outcome of games. As his career continues to evolve, expect Zubac to remain a key presence in the paint and a name worth knowing in the NBA.
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