Evikasbach, a towering figure in the Los Angeles Clippers paint, has finally gained recognition.
NBA analyst Bill Simmons recently gave a high rating to the big Croatian man, comparing him to former defensive player Mark Gasol.
In his podcast, Simmons portrayed impressive similarities between Ivica Zubach and Spanish legends.
“This guy really reminds me of this (MARC) gasoline from the Grizzlies in 2013, 2014 and 2015 ERA gasoline,” Simmons said.
However, Simmons did not stop there. He boldly suggested that Zubac might outperform Gasol in certain respects. “He’s big. He’s always ready to lift his hands and get ready, and players from other teams are always afraid that he’ll protect the rim. He’s a better rebounder than Gasol,” declared Simmons.
The numbers support this claim. Zubac averages an impressive 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks this season.
In the regular season finale with the Warriors, Zubak demonstrated his elite ability with 22 points and 13 defensive rebounds, while establishing a horrifying presence protecting the rims.
While conversations about the Clippers usually revolve around stars like Kawi Leonard and James Harden, Simmons believes Zubuck deserves more recognition.
“Zubac is incredibly important to this team and is better than people realize. You saw the game (warrior), he was great,” Simmons emphasized.
The founder of Ringer even went to propose the All-NBA honors of the Clippers Center. “I think he’s in Allna, the third team, for me,” he said with confidence.
As Zubac and The Clippers prepare to face the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs, Simmons still dropped his boldest take.
“I think he’s now the third best center in basketball behind Karl Anthony town and (Nicola) Jokic. Jokic is number one, but I think he (Zubac) is third.”
In addition to having really good numbers, the durability of the Zubac is equally noteworthy. He appeared in 80 games and became the cornerstone of the Clippers’ automatic playoff qualification.
All eyes are in Zubak to prove Simmons in the postseason spotlight, earning such a high praise from one of basketball’s most respected voices.