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Ivica Zubac's impact this season goes far beyond individual accolades
Ivica Zubac has long carried the reputation of a steady, reliable NBA center. But in 2024-25, he's elevated his game to another level.
Amid a season marked by inconsistent stretches and ongoing roster adjustments for the Los Angeles Clippers, Zubac has emerged as a statistical standout and foundational presence on both ends of the floor.
While his name is beginning to surface in Defensive Player of the Year conversations, Zubac’s influence stretches far beyond any individual accolade.
The numbers alone point to a career-best campaign. Zubac is averaging 16.6 points and 12.6 rebounds per game — both career highs — while shooting 62.5 percent from the field.
He currently leads the NBA in total rebounds (971), ahead of Domantas Sabonis (932) and Karl-Anthony Towns (910). His 293 offensive boards are also a league-best, a testament to his relentless energy and value in creating second-chance opportunities.
Most points + rebounds this season:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 9, 2025
2,864 — All-Star
2,863 — All-Star
2,752 — All-Star
2,644 — All-Star
2,531 — All-Star
2,516 — All-Star
2,252 — Ivica Zubac pic.twitter.com/p8PWOEKXjO
Yet, what doesn’t appear in traditional box scores defines Zubac’s impact — his screen-setting, rim protection and interior presence free up space for the Clippers’ stars to thrive. The pick-and-roll chemistry he has developed with James Harden has quietly become one of the team’s most efficient weapons.
On the defensive end, Zubac has taken a noticeable leap. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue and several players have championed his case for Defensive Player of the Year, citing his versatility and discipline. Whether switching onto smaller guards, blitzing the ball-handler, or holding the paint as an anchor, Zubac’s consistency has made him one of the most dependable defensive bigs in the league.
A pair of standout performances further underscore his rise. On March 4, he posted a career-high 35 points with 10 rebounds in a win over Phoenix. He’s logged five games with at least 20 rebounds this season, including a dominant 24-point, 20-rebound, five-assist outing against the Sacramento Kings on April 8.
4th 20/20 game for Ivica Zubac this season!
— NBA (@NBA) April 9, 2025
The only other players with 4:
Joker (5)
KAT (4)
Domas (4) pic.twitter.com/haAxtornVh
Since the All-Star break, Zubac has ramped up his production even further. Over a 24-game stretch, he’s averaging 19.6 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting an ultra-efficient 64.7 percent.
What makes his emergence remarkable is the context of his arrival. Zubac was acquired from the Lakers in February 2019 — alongside Michael Beasley — in exchange for Mike Muscala, a deal now widely regarded as one of the most lopsided trades in recent memory. What was considered a minor deadline move has aged into a franchise-defining steal.
Zubac may not command headlines or dominate highlight reels, but for a Clippers team still seeking its first Finals appearance, his quiet reliability and steady improvement may be precisely what they need. Whether or not he receives postseason hardware, his importance to this team is beyond question.
The Clippers didn’t just find a bargain in 2019 — they found a cornerstone.
More must-reads:
- Nobody should want to face the Clippers in the playoffs
- Clippers fans used unique distraction against visiting Spurs
- The 'NBA Finals MVPs' quiz
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