With Kawhi Leonard out for the Los Angeles Clippers, everyone’s offensive role was expected to take a step up from last year’s crowded roster.
Ivica Zubac has benefited most from his increased role on the team, transforming from a “solid” or “average” starting center in the NBA into a legitimate double-double machine. Zubac is currently averaging 17.1 points and a fifth-ranking 12.5 rebound per game.
The Clippers Double-Double Machine
He has double-doubles in four of the eight Clippers games this year, including in three out of their four wins.
His season is highlighted by his 23-point, 18-rebound performance against the Golden State Warriors in a 112-104 Los Angeles victory.
Zubac’s points-per-game has gone up slightly every year he’s been on the Clippers. So far, this would be his biggest jump going from 11.7 points a game to 17.1. While less consistent, his rebounding has also consistently trended upward. If the season ended today, this would be the first time he averages double-digit rebounds a game – he fell just short in the 2022-23 season at 9.9 per game.
As the Clippers set out to discover what the identity of their team truly is as they transition into a new era of branding, leaning on your most reliable pieces is a safe bet. With Zubac in the middle of his athletic prime and only getting better, expect him to be leaned on in big moments more and more throughout the year.
The big question remaining is, will his role change when Leonard makes his return to play?
