Ivica Zubac, the towering center currently anchoring the frontcourt for the Los Angeles Clippers, has carved out a significant and increasingly impactful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Often lauded for his reliability, rebounding prowess, and developing offensive game, Zubac has become a cornerstone for a Clippers team with championship aspirations. This article delves deep into the statistical journey of Ivica Zubac, analyzing his key metrics, tracking his evolution as a player, and addressing the questions that fans and analysts are asking about his performance.
Early Years and Statistical Beginnings
Born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zubac’s basketball journey took him through Europe before he declared for the 2016 NBA Draft. Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 32nd overall pick, his rookie season in the purple and gold provided glimpses of his potential.
Rookie Season (2016-2017):
Games Played: 38
Minutes Per Game (MPG): 16.0
Points Per Game (PPG): 7.5
Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 4.2
Assists Per Game (APG): 0.8
Blocks Per Game (BPG): 0.9
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 52.9%
These initial stats showcased Zubac’s raw talent, particularly his ability to score efficiently around the basket and contribute on the boards. While his playing time was inconsistent, he demonstrated a promising skillset for a young center.
Trade to the Clippers and Growing Role
The landscape of Zubac’s career shifted significantly during the 2018-2019 season when he was traded mid-season from the Lakers to their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. This move proved to be a turning point, as the Clippers offered him a more consistent role and greater opportunities to develop.
Post-Trade Clippers Statistics (2018-2019):
Games Played (with Clippers): 26
MPG: 18.1
PPG: 8.5
RPG: 4.9
APG: 0.8
BPG: 0.8
FG%: 53.8%
While the immediate statistical jump wasn’t dramatic, the increased playing time and the Clippers’ faith in his potential laid the groundwork for his future growth.
Steady Improvement and Establishing Himself as a Starter
Over the subsequent seasons with the Clippers, Zubac steadily improved his game across the board, solidifying his position as the team’s starting center. His durability and consistent presence in the lineup became invaluable for a Clippers team navigating injuries and roster changes.
Key Statistical Strengths
Ivica Zubac’s statistical profile highlights several key strengths that make him a valuable asset to the Clippers:
Rebounding: Zubac has consistently been a strong rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass. His ability to secure second-chance opportunities for his team is a significant contribution. His rebounding numbers have generally trended upwards throughout his Clippers tenure, peaking in the 2023-2024 season. While slightly lower in 2024-2025, he remains a formidable presence on the boards.
Field Goal Efficiency: Zubac is an incredibly efficient scorer around the basket. His high field goal percentage reflects his ability to finish plays effectively in the paint, often through pick-and-roll situations or offensive rebounds. His consistent efficiency makes him a reliable scoring option.
Blocks and Interior Defense: Zubac has developed into a solid rim protector. His block numbers have shown improvement over time, and his presence in the paint deters opponents from attacking the basket. While not an elite shot-blocker, his size and positioning make him a valuable defensive anchor.
Durability: Zubac has been remarkably durable for a center in the modern NBA. He has consistently played a high number of games each season, providing stability to the Clippers’ lineup. This reliability is a crucial, often understated, aspect of his value.
Areas for Potential Improvement
While Zubac has established himself as a reliable NBA center, there are areas where he could further elevate his game statistically:
Assists: While his assist numbers have seen minor increases, they remain relatively low for a starting center in today’s NBA, where playmaking from all positions is valued. Developing his passing out of the post or in pick-and-roll situations could add another dimension to the Clippers’ offense. His assist numbers saw a slight dip in the 2024-2025 season.
Three-Point Shooting: Like many traditional centers, three-point shooting is not a significant part of Zubac’s game. While not a necessity for his role, developing even a consistent mid-range jumper or the occasional three-pointer could stretch the floor and make him a more versatile offensive threat.
Free Throw Percentage: Zubac’s free throw percentage has fluctuated throughout his career and could stand to improve. Higher efficiency from the free-throw line would make him a more reliable scoring option, particularly in late-game situations.
Advanced Statistics and Contextual Impact
Beyond the traditional box score statistics, advanced metrics offer further insights into Ivica Zubac’s impact:
Player Efficiency Rating (PER): This metric aims to summarize a player’s total contributions per minute played. Zubac’s PER has generally been in the respectable 15-18 range in recent seasons, indicating he is a productive player.
True Shooting Percentage (TS%): This accounts for field goals, three-pointers, and free throws. Zubac’s high field goal percentage contributes to a solid TS%, often above 60%, highlighting his efficient scoring.
Rebound Percentage (REB%): This estimates the percentage of available rebounds a player grabs while on the floor. Zubac’s REB% has consistently been strong, reflecting his value on the boards.
Block Percentage (BLK%): This estimates the percentage of opponent two-point field goal attempts blocked by the player while they are on the floor. Zubac’s BLK% has shown improvement, indicating his growing impact as a rim protector.
Win Shares (WS): This metric attempts to estimate the number of wins a player contributes to their team. Zubac’s Win Shares have steadily increased as his role and production have grown, demonstrating his positive impact on the Clippers’ success.
Contextually, Zubac’s value to the Clippers extends beyond just numbers. His reliable presence at center allows the team’s star players, like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, to operate more freely. His screening in pick-and-roll situations is crucial for generating open looks, and his offensive rebounding provides valuable second chances. Defensively, his size and positioning are vital for anchoring the interior.
The Future Statistical Outlook
As Ivica Zubac continues his career with the Los Angeles Clippers, his statistical trajectory will depend on various factors, including his role within the team, his continued development, and the overall health of the roster. Given his steady growth and the Clippers’ aspirations, he is likely to remain a key contributor, providing consistent scoring, rebounding, and interior defense. Whether he can make significant leaps in areas like assists or three-point shooting remains to be seen, but his established strengths make him a valuable and statistically impactful player in the NBA. His performance in the upcoming playoffs will further shape the narrative of his statistical contributions to a contending team.
FAQs
How did Zubac perform in his last 5 games?
In his last 5 regular-season games (March 5–12, 2025), Zubac averaged:
21.0 points
12.8 rebounds
2.8 assists
1.2 blocks
0.2 steals
38.8 minutes per game
His standout performance was a 26-point, 14-rebound game against the Miami Heat on March 12, 2025.
Did Zubac achieve any notable milestones this season?
Yes, on April 9, 2025, Zubac recorded his first career triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Houston Rockets.
How does Zubac’s 2024–25 season compare to his previous seasons?
Zubac’s 2024–25 season marked significant improvements:
Points per game: Increased from 11.7 (2023–24) to 16.4
Rebounds per game: Increased from 9.2 to 12.6
Assists per game: Increased from 1.4 to 2.6
These enhancements highlight his development into a more versatile and dominant center.
What are Zubac’s career averages?
Over his NBA career (571 games), Zubac has averaged:
10.0 points per game
8.0 rebounds per game
1.3 assists per game
1.0 blocks per game
22.8 minutes per game
His 2024–25 season stands out as his most productive to date.
How has Zubac performed against top centers like Victor Wembanyama?
Zubac had notable performances against teams with elite centers. For instance, against the San Antonio Spurs, he recorded a 24-point, 20-rebound game, exploiting the absence of Victor Wembanyama.
Has Zubac signed any recent contract extensions?
Yes, on August 30, 2024, Zubac signed a three-year, $58.6 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Clippers, reflecting the team’s confidence in his continued growth and contributions.
What are Zubac’s playoff statistics?
As of the end of the 2024–25 regular season, Zubac has played in 45 playoff games, averaging:
8.6 points per game
7.1 rebounds per game
0.6 assists per game
0.6 blocks per game
These numbers are expected to improve as he takes on a more significant role in postseason play.
What are Zubac’s career highs?
Zubac’s career-highs include:
Points: 31
Rebounds: 29
Assists: 10
Blocks: 6
His 31-point, 29-rebound game against the Indiana Pacers in November 2022 remains a standout performance.
How does Zubac impact the Clippers’ performance?
Zubac’s presence in the paint provides the Clippers with a reliable rim protector and rebounder. His improved scoring and passing abilities have added depth to the team’s offensive strategies, making him a crucial component of their success.
To conclude
Ivica Zubac’s 2024–25 season has been a testament to his growth and dedication. Transitioning from a role player to a central figure in the Clippers’ lineup, his enhanced statistics in scoring, rebounding, and assists underscore his development into a well-rounded center. His first career triple-double and consistent double-double performances highlight his increasing influence on the court.
The Clippers’ decision to extend his contract reflects their belief in his potential and value to the team. As Zubac continues to refine his skills and adapt to the evolving dynamics of the NBA, he is poised to remain a pivotal player for the Clippers and a notable presence in the league.
For fans and analysts alike, Zubac’s trajectory offers an exciting narrative of perseverance and growth, embodying the journey of a player who has steadily carved out a significant role through hard work and consistent performance.
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