The Los Angeles Clippers just made a slam dunk move! 🏀 The team has secured a three-year, $56.8 million contract extension with their towering center, Ivica Zubac. According to ESPN, the 27-year-old Croatian giant 🤩 will now be with the Clippers through the 2027-28 season, racking up a total of $70 million! 💰
This deal isn't just any deal; it's the best the Clippers could offer Zubac under the current collective bargaining agreement. And let's be real, Zubac earned it! Last season, he was a force to be reckoned with, averaging 11.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. Plus, he shot an impressive 64.9% from the field, starting in all 68 games during the 2023-24 campaign. Talk about consistency! 👏
Zubac wasn't just good; he was among the best in the league! He had the third-highest field goal percentage last season, trailing only Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Daniel Gafford of the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN Stats & Information. 🎯
Defensively, he was a wall! 🛡️ He limited opponents' shooting at the rim to a staggering 49.6%, the best among all players who defended over 200 shots, per Second Spectrum. Opposing teams definitely felt the Zubac effect! 🚫🏀
Despite a strong regular season finish with 51 wins and securing the fourth spot in the Western Conference, the Clippers faced a tough first-round playoff exit against the Dallas Mavericks, losing 4-2. But Zubac shined bright, averaging 16.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in the series, including snagging three offensive boards each game. 🌟
With Zubac committed for the next three years, Clippers fans have a lot to look forward to! Could this be the move that propels them to the top? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: the Clippers aren't playing around! 💪🔥
Reference(s):
Clippers extend Ivica Zubac's contract by 3 years for $56.8 million
cgtn.com
