The Los Angeles Clippers are doubling down on their defensive anchor! 🛡️ Croatian center Ivica Zubac landed a juicy 3-year, $56.8 million contract extension, cementing his role as a cornerstone for the team through 2028. ESPN reports the deal could total $70M when combined with his current contract – talk about a slam dunk! 💰
The 27-year-old big man averaged 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds last season while leading the NBA in rim protection. Opponents shot just 49.6% against him at close range – better than any player who defended 200+ shots. 📊 His 64.9% field goal accuracy ranked third league-wide, trailing only All-Stars Rudy Gobert and Daniel Gafford.
Zubac turned up the heat in the playoffs, dropping 16.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game against the Mavericks. Though the Clippers fell short in round one, locking in their 7-foot shot-blocker shows they're building for a championship future. 🏆 With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George (if they stay?), Zubac's rim-running and rebounding could be the X-factor in the West’s arms race.
