LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. Always among the league leaders in field goal percentage allowed at the rim, Zubac is an elite rim protector who has also expanded his post game offensively over the last several seasons.
Speaking during a recent episode of his Pat Bev Podcast, former Philadelphia 76ers guard Patrick Beverley said Zubac is up there with Rudy Gobert when it comes to rim protection.
"Big Zu, that's my dog," Beverley said. "What he does rim protection wise is elite. He's up there with Rudy Gobert."
This is not just Beverley's opinion, because the numbers back up what he is saying. According to the NBA's data, Zubac is holding his opponents to just 50.6% shooting within six feet of the basket, which is the second-best mark in the entire NBA among all players who have defended at least 250 of those shots. Atop this list is Gobert, who is holding his opponents to 49.0% shooting within six feet of the basket.
What Zubac does for the Clippers often goes overlooked, but Beverley knows his importance more than anyone. Having played with Zubac for several seasons, Beverley had great defensive chemistry with LA's anchor, and the two developed a very close relationship off the court as well.
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