Ivica Zubac, stats a Croatian-born center, has carved out a solid career in the NBA since entering the league in 2016. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Zubac was later traded to the Clippers, where he has thrived, becoming a key part of their rotation. Known for his imposing presence in the paint, excellent rebounding ability, and emerging skills as a rim protector, Zubac has become one of the most underrated centers in the league.
Ivica Zubac, stats growth as a player has been steady and impressive. While he may not be a flashy star or a dominant force in the way some of the league’s top centers are, his consistent contributions to the Clippers have made him indispensable. In the 2025 season, Zubac is seeing the fruits of his hard work and development, and his stats reflect the strides he has made both offensively and defensively.
Ivica Zubac’s 2025 Stats
As of the 2025 NBA season, Ivica Zubac has been putting up impressive numbers across the board. His performances in various statistical categories make him a versatile and important asset for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Points Per Game
Zubac has continued to improve his offensive game in 2025, averaging 12.5 points per game (PPG). While his scoring output is not as high as some other starting centers, it is a reflection of his consistent role in the Clippers’ offense, especially in pick-and-roll situations and post plays.
Zubac’s offensive game is primarily based on efficiency rather than volume. He uses his size and strength to finish around the rim, benefiting from passes from playmakers like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Zubac’s ability to score on offensive rebounds and putbacks also helps boost his scoring average.
Rebounds
Ivica Zubac, stats has solidified himself as one of the best rebounders in the NBA, averaging 10.2 rebounds per game (RPG) in 2025. His relentless effort on the glass, both offensively and defensively, is crucial for the Clippers’ ability to maintain possession and control the tempo of games.
Zubac’s size, standing at 7 feet tall, combined with his excellent timing and positioning, allows him to grab boards at a high rate. He has become a reliable source of second-chance opportunities for the Clippers, contributing significantly to the team’s overall rebounding numbers.
Assists and Playmaking
Zubac is not known for his playmaking, but he has made strides in this area in recent years. In 2025, he is averaging 1.5 assists per game, a respectable figure for a center. While he does not create offense in the same way as the league’s elite playmakers, Zubac’s passing has improved, particularly in situations where he is double-teamed in the post or when he catches the ball on the move.
His assists are often simple yet effective, primarily revolving around making the right pass to cutters or shooters. This growth in his playmaking ability has added an extra dimension to the Clippers’ offense, making him more than just a traditional big man.
Defensive Stats
One of Zubac’s standout qualities is his defense. Averaging 1.8 blocks per game (BPG) and 0.8 steals per game, Zubac has become a reliable rim protector for the Clippers. His ability to contest shots at the rim and alter opposing players’ attempts has made him a key player on the defensive end.
Zubac’s defensive presence extends beyond just blocking shots; his ability to box out, clog the paint, and force opponents into tough shots is what sets him apart. His timing and understanding of defensive schemes have improved, making him an invaluable asset to the Clippers’ defensive rotations.
Field Goal Percentage and Efficiency
Zubac’s efficiency is one of the key aspects of his game. In 2025, he is shooting 66.3% from the field, which is an impressive mark for a center. His scoring comes primarily from the paint, and his ability to finish at the rim with both hands has helped him maintain high efficiency.
Zubac’s field goal percentage is a testament to his understanding of his role on offense. He does not take low-percentage shots, instead focusing on high-percentage opportunities close to the basket. This approach maximizes his scoring efficiency, making him a reliable offensive option.
Role in the Clippers’ System
Ivica Zubac plays a critical role in the Clippers’ system, particularly in the team’s interior presence. He is often utilized as a rim protector, rebounder, and low-post option, and his role on the team is defined by his ability to complement the Clippers’ perimeter stars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
On offense, Zubac serves as a primary lob target in pick-and-roll situations, where his size and finishing ability make him a threat. His role as a rebounder and putback scorer also ensures that he can capitalize on missed shots and extend possessions for the team.
Defensively, Zubac is often tasked with guarding opposing centers and big men, where his shot-blocking ability and rebounding are crucial. His presence in the paint provides stability for the Clippers’ defense, allowing them to compete with the league’s top offensive teams.
Ivica Zubac’s Strengths and Areas of Improvement
Strengths
Rebounding: Zubac’s ability to dominate the boards is one of his most significant strengths. His size and positioning make him a threat on both ends of the court, and he consistently gives the Clippers extra opportunities with his offensive rebounds.
Efficiency: Zubac has mastered the art of efficient scoring, shooting at a high percentage from the field. His scoring is focused around the basket, where he can capitalize on lobs, post-ups, and offensive rebounds.
Rim Protection: Zubac’s shot-blocking ability and presence in the paint make him an excellent rim protector. His timing and ability to alter shots are vital to the Clippers’ defensive scheme.
Areas of Improvement
Free Throws: One area where Zubac can improve is his free-throw shooting. While not terrible, Zubac’s free-throw percentage sits around 60%, which could be a liability in late-game situations.
Playmaking: Although Zubac has improved his passing, he can still take his playmaking to the next level. As defenses tighten in the postseason, having a center who can make quicker decisions with the ball could prove crucial.
Impact on the Clippers’ Success in 2025
Ivica Zubac’s contributions are crucial to the success of the Los Angeles Clippers in 2025. While the team’s fortunes often hinge on the performances of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, Zubac has proven to be an invaluable piece in their puzzle. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and efficient scoring allow the Clippers to compete with the NBA’s elite teams.
As of March 2025, the Clippers are ranked highly in the Western Conference, and Zubac’s contributions have helped them remain competitive throughout the season. His presence in the paint on both ends of the floor provides a steadying force, and his role as a rim protector allows the team’s perimeter players to focus more on offense.
Fan Reactions and Media Attention
Ivica Zubac may not have the same level of star power as some of the more prominent centers in the NBA, but he has earned respect from fans and media alike. Clippers fans appreciate his work ethic, his consistency, and his ability to play a complementary role to the team’s superstars.
Media outlets have increasingly recognized Zubac as one of the more underrated players in the NBA, and his contributions are becoming more widely acknowledged as the Clippers continue to perform well.
Final Thoughts
Ivica Zubac has come a long way since entering the NBA in 2016, and his growth continues to impress. As of 2025, he is a key player for the Los Angeles Clippers, providing invaluable contributions on both ends of the court. While he may not be in the conversation for being one of the elite centers, Zubac’s ability to consistently contribute at a high level makes him an essential piece of the Clippers’ success.
As he continues to develop his game and build on his already impressive skill set, Ivica Zubac has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the NBA. The future looks bright for this hardworking center, and his role in the Clippers’ championship aspirations will only continue to grow in the coming years.
FAQs
How has Ivica Zubac’s game evolved in 2025?
In 2025, Ivica Zubac has shown significant growth in his offensive game, improving his scoring efficiency and playmaking ability. While his primary role remains as a rebounder and rim protector, his increased ability to score efficiently around the basket and dish out the occasional assist has made him a more well-rounded player.
Is Ivica Zubac one of the top centers in the NBA in 2025?
While Zubac may not be in the conversation for elite centers like Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokić, his efficiency, rebounding, and defense have made him one of the more underrated centers in the league. Zubac compares favorably to other starting centers in terms of his consistent contributions, especially in the areas of rebounding and rim protection.
How does Ivica Zubac impact the Clippers’ defense in 2025?
Ivica Zubac plays a pivotal role in the Clippers’ defense. His shot-blocking ability (1.8 BPG) and presence in the paint allow the team to defend the rim effectively, which is critical in matchups against teams with strong inside scorers. His rebounding and ability to contest shots make him an essential defensive anchor for the Clippers.
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