Post-All-Star Explosion: Just How Good Is Ivica Zubac Right Now?

In a Western Conference where every win is survival, and every misstep can knock a team down several playoff seeds, the Los Angeles Clippers have found an unlikely anchor in the paint — Ivica Zubac, a name that doesn’t typically light up headlines, but should.

The Clippers recently edged the Spurs 122-117 at home. Kawhi Leonard was out, and the big three of Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook all chipped in 20+ points. But the real standout? The 7-footer from Bosnia and Herzegovina who played like a man possessed.

Zubac logged 39 minutes, went 11-of-17 from the field, 2-of-2 from the line, and stuffed the stat sheet with 24 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 assists, while also posting a +12 plus-minus. Of those 20 rebounds, 8 were on the offensive glass — equaling the total of the entire Spurs roster.

But this wasn’t just one hot night. It was part of a season-long transformation, a metamorphosis from dependable role player to borderline star — and if we’re being honest, he’s playing like one of the most effective traditional bigs in the entire NBA.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

This was Zubac’s fourth 20-point, 20-rebound game of the season, tying him with Karl-Anthony Towns and Domantas Sabonis for second-most in the league. The only player ahead? Reigning MVP Nikola Jokić, with five.

Think about that. Zubac is in the same statistical breath as guys with max contracts and All-Star appearances. In fact:

• Before this season, Zubac had only one 20/20 game in his entire career.

• This season isn’t over, and he’s already logged four.

• He’s recorded 25 games with 20+ points and 10+ rebounds, demolishing last year’s total of four such games.

• He became the first Clipper in 20 years to record a 20-20-5 stat line — the last being Elton Brand in 2005.

Zubac isn’t just producing in spurts — he’s on a tear:

• Past 12 games: Double-double in every single one.

• Past 23 games: Double-double in 22 of them.

• And this isn’t hollow stat-padding; his impact is real, tangible, and backed by advanced analytics.

When Zubac is on the court:

• The Clippers score 115.9 points per 100 possessions.

• They outscore opponents by 8.9 points per 100.

When he’s off:

• That offensive rating plummets to 106.9.

• The team is outscored by 2.9 per 100 possessions.

The net difference? A staggering 11.8 points per 100 — a gap that screams value.

The Harden Effect: Unlocking Zubac

Let’s not overlook one of the biggest changes this year: James Harden. While much of the discourse around the Beard has been about chemistry and fit, his arrival did one very tangible thing — it gave Zubac a true pick-and-roll maestro who sees angles and gaps that most guards don’t.

Zubac, never a stretch five, thrives as a dive man, screen setter, and interior finisher. Harden has amplified all of that. Since the All-Star break:

• Zubac is averaging 19.6 points per game.

• He’s shooting 64.7% from the field.

• He’s been an efficient scoring machine, requiring minimal usage to produce maximum results.

For comparison:

• Last season, Zubac averaged 11.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, on 64.9% shooting.

• This year, he's at 16.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, on 62.5% from the floor — and he’s played 77 games with high availability.

No, he doesn’t shoot threes. No, he doesn’t switch like Bam Adebayo. But what Zubac does — post presence, rim protection, glass cleaning, short-roll playmaking — he does as well as nearly anyone this season.

Recent Statement Games: A Closer Look

Zubac’s dominance isn’t theoretical. He’s been cooking real matchups against real bigs:

• Vs Mavericks (April 5): 11-of-11 FG, 25 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists — cooked Anthony Davis with surgical efficiency.

• Vs Magic (April 1): 10-of-17 FG, 18 points, 20 rebounds, 5 assists, 9 offensive rebounds — devoured Orlando’s interior like it was breakfast.

• Vs Cavaliers (March 19): 13-of-18 FG, 28 points, 20 rebounds — outclassed Evan Mobley + Jarrett Allen, a supposed elite defensive frontcourt.

And all this without a lick of flash. No step-back threes. No TikTok celebrations. Just good old-fashioned dominance.

Zunior to Zupreme

For years, Zubac has carried the endearing nickname "Zunior" — a play on “Junior Shaq,” a tongue-in-cheek nod to his old-school game. At one point, it felt more ironic than aspirational. Not anymore.

He’s still no Shaquille O’Neal — but he’s gone from meme to menace.

Zubac has become one of the most productive, consistent, and reliable centers in the NBA. He shows up. He rebounds. He finishes. He defends the rim. And now? He’s starting to playmake too.

He doesn’t demand touches. He doesn’t pout about minutes. He just works, night in, night out — and that consistency is what separates flash from foundation.

That Trade... A Lakers L?

Let’s rewind to 2019.

Magic Johnson, then Lakers GM, decided to trade a young Zubac — who was already showing signs of breakout potential — and Michael Beasley to the Clippers for Mike Muscala. The move was immediately criticized. Years later? It's aged like milk in a sauna.

While Muscala bounced around the league, Zubac became a cornerstone for a team with legitimate title aspirations. It's not just a loss. It’s an all-time roster blunder.

Magic? This one’s on you.

What’s Next: Rockets, Kings, Warriors

Before they start dreaming about playoff fireworks, the Clippers still have work to do. Their final three regular-season games come against Houston (Alperen Sengün), Sacramento (Domantas Sabonis), and Golden State (Draymond Green) — all bigs with vastly different styles, and all capable of challenging Zubac in unique ways.

But if recent history is any indicator, he’ll meet the moment. Hell, he might own it.

Zubac isn’t just chasing double-doubles or stat sheets anymore. He’s chasing respect. He’s chasing impact. He’s showing — with every thunderous putback, every outlet pass, every box out — that this version of him is not temporary.

He’s not just a big body.
He’s a big reason why the Clippers are a real threat.

Final Take:

Zubac may never be a household name. He may never make an All-Star Game. He might never end up on a sneaker deal billboard.
But this season? He’s been a f***ing force.

The league better start recognizing:
Ivica Zubac isn’t a role player anymore — he’s a problem.