The Los Angeles Clippers have quietly climbed the ladder and sit at the top of the Western Conference at 11-4. After winning five games in a row, the Clippers are flexing their superstar muscles and showing the world why they are among the favorites to win the title this year. Paul George seems to have regained his superstar form, and Kawhi Leonard is making his case for being the best two-way player in the NBA. What many NBA fans haven't realized are the unsung heroes on the Clippers that have catapulted them to the top of the conference. Take for example Ivica Zubac.
Nicolas Batum, Serge Ibaka, and Patrick Beverley have been solid role players for LA, but Ivica Zubac has been one of the brightest spots on this roster.
Zubac had a dominant performance against the Kings on Wednesday with 11 points, 12 rebounds, 1 block, on 80% shooting and was a major reason for the Clippers blowout win.
After the game, Paul George shared his thoughts on Zubac's potential.
Ivica Zubac's numbers don't jump off the page, but his per 36 stats say differently.
Per 36 minutes, Zubac has been averaging a double-double every season since 2018, with a career shooting percentage of 57%.
Those are very dominant numbers for a seven-footer.
Zubac will likely never achieve those numbers on this Clippers team considering the superstar talent on the team, but the potential is undoubtedly present.
The Clippers were extremely disappointing last season, blowing a 3-1 lead in the second round of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets.
Maybe giving Ivica Zubac an extended role is the key to the Clippers' playoff success.