$70 Million Over 4 Years! The Eastern European ATM—Why the Clippers Value What the Lakers Let Go

The Los Angeles Clippers have once again made waves with a significant roster move, securing their starting center Ivica Zubac with a three-year, $58.6 million contract extension. This extension, combined with the $11.74 million remaining on his current deal, means Zubac is now guaranteed $70.34 million over the next four years. While $70 million is no small amount, it's a deal that reflects Zubac's value in the NBA—a league where size and rim protection remain crucial elements of success.

Last season, Zubac was a cornerstone for the Clippers, playing in 68 games and starting every one. Averaging 26.4 minutes per game, he posted solid numbers with 11.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks. His rebounding prowess was notable, ranking 15th in the league overall, with his 2.9 offensive rebounds per game placing him 9th. Zubac's efficiency around the rim was also exceptional, shooting 64.9% from the field—the third-best percentage in the league, behind only Daniel Gafford (72.5%) and Rudy Gobert (66.1%).

Defensively, Zubac has proven to be a formidable presence. His rim protection numbers last season were among the best in the NBA. Within six feet of the basket, he held opponents to a shooting percentage of just 51.8%, significantly lower than their usual 63.3%. Extending the range to 10 feet, he reduced opponents' shooting percentages from 59.7% to 50.1%. These stats place Zubac in the top five across the league for players who contested at least 300 shots in those zones, solidifying his reputation as an underrated rim protector.

However, Zubac's strengths come with some notable weaknesses, particularly on the defensive end. His proficiency in traditional rim protection contrasts sharply with his struggles in switch-heavy defensive schemes. When tasked with guarding quicker, more agile players on the perimeter, Zubac often finds himself outmatched—a vulnerability that was starkly exposed during the Clippers’ first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks this year.

In that series, Zubac's limitations were highlighted by the Mavericks' star duo of Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, who repeatedly targeted him in isolation. Dončić, known for his ability to dissect defenses, thrived against Zubac, scoring 45 points on 16-of-36 shooting and adding 11 assists in just 11 minutes of direct matchup time. Irving was even more efficient, torching Zubac for 25 points on 12-of-17 shooting in just four minutes. This led to the unfortunate label of “Eastern European ATM” for Zubac, as Dončić and Irving seemed to withdraw points at will against him.

Despite these struggles, Zubac's overall playoff performance was commendable. Against the Mavericks’ big men, Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively, Zubac more than held his own. Over six games, he averaged 16.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, shooting an impressive 60.0% from the field. In direct matchups against Gafford and Lively, Zubac allowed only 30 points over 43 minutes, effectively neutralizing their impact. His contributions were crucial in preventing the Clippers’ interior from being dominated by Dallas’s frontcourt.

Zubac's performance in the playoffs underscores the duality of his game—he's a player with clear strengths and vulnerabilities. While his struggles against elite guards like Dončić and Irving are concerning, it’s important to recognize that few teams possess such a potent combination of quickness, shooting, and playmaking at the guard position. Zubac's value becomes more apparent when viewed through the lens of matchups, where his rim protection and rebounding can be game-changing against most frontcourts.

This understanding of Zubac's value is precisely why the Clippers have committed $70 million to him over the next four years. As the NBA increasingly shifts towards smaller, more versatile lineups, the Clippers have chosen to emphasize the importance of size and interior defense. Zubac fits this strategy perfectly, providing the Clippers with a reliable defensive anchor who can also contribute offensively with high efficiency around the rim.

The decision to extend Zubac's contract also reflects the changing financial landscape of the NBA. With a new television deal on the horizon that is expected to significantly increase the salary cap, contracts like Zubac's may soon become the norm rather than the exception. In this context, securing a proven center like Zubac for $70 million could be seen as a savvy move, especially as he enters the prime years of his career.

Zubac's journey to becoming one of the league’s most reliable centers is a story of growth and perseverance. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, Zubac showed flashes of potential early in his career but was traded to the Clippers in a deal that still perplexes many Lakers fans. At just 21 years old, Zubac was beginning to emerge as a solid rotational player when the Lakers, under the leadership of Magic Johnson, traded him to the Clippers for veteran Mike Muscala—a move that was widely criticized and, in hindsight, has been one of the more regrettable decisions in recent Lakers history. While the Lakers won a championship the following season, Zubac’s departure left many wondering what could have been had they kept him.

Since joining the Clippers, Zubac has steadily developed into a key player. Over the past six seasons, he has played in 390 games, starting 348 of them. Both Doc Rivers and Tyronn Lue have relied heavily on Zubac to anchor their defense and provide consistent production on both ends of the floor. His durability and steady improvement have made him a fixture in the Clippers’ starting lineup, even as the team has undergone significant changes.

Interestingly, the Lakers could use a player like Zubac now more than ever. As they search for a reliable center to pair with Anthony Davis, Zubac's rim protection and rebounding would be an ideal complement. However, it’s unlikely that Zubac would have reached his current level of play had he stayed with the Lakers. The fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis would have been challenging, as Zubac’s lack of shooting range would have limited the team’s spacing. In many ways, the trade to the Clippers allowed Zubac to grow into the player he is today—a player who understands his strengths and maximizes them effectively.

Zubac's performance on the international stage further underscores his development. As a key player for the Croatian national team, Zubac has consistently delivered strong performances in FIBA competitions. During the Olympic qualifying tournament this past July, Zubac was a dominant force, averaging 22.8 points and 11.3 rebounds per game while shooting an astonishing 76.6% from the field. Though Croatia ultimately fell short of qualifying for the Olympics, Zubac’s play was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his potential as a FIBA star.

At 27 years old, Zubac is entering what should be the prime years of his career. His new contract with the Clippers ensures that he will be a central figure in their plans moving forward. With Paul George departing this offseason, Zubac's role could expand further, and the Clippers are betting that he will continue to refine his game and become an even more integral part of their success.

As Zubac prepares for the next chapter of his career, the Clippers can take comfort in knowing they have secured one of the league’s most reliable and underrated big men. In a league where the value of traditional big men is often questioned, Zubac's combination of size, skill, and defensive acumen makes him a rare commodity. The Lakers may have let him slip away, but the Clippers have recognized his worth and are reaping the rewards. With $70 million guaranteed, Zubac has every reason to continue proving that he’s worth every penny.