By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
Is it too early to call Ivica Zubac one major steal of the 2016 NBA Draft? Perhaps not, considering the Croatian center’s performances in the Summer League which have been way and above of what might be characterized simply as “promising”. And definitely much more than what you would normally expect from your typical 2nd Round, 32th pick.
His latest output, in the L.A. Lakers 88 – 92 defeat against the Utah Jazz, was compiled by a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Oh and six blocks. Yes, he denied his opponents no less than six times, being one block away from the Summer League’s record.
It is quite possible that he learned about the “Zu-Block” nickname which some Lakers fans (maybe the same who were asking “WHO?” when first hearing his name during the Draft) created for him and liked it so much that he now wants to live up to it on the floor. Let’s also note that he had already delivered five out of his six “stops”, in the mid of the third quarter.
The newly acquired Lakers’ pivot won almost all battles against his opponents on both ends of the floor, including some versus fellow Euro-center Tibor Pleiss. He showed the potency of his offensive threat from the low-post, after easily pushing his personal opponents, and what he can do when used as a pick n’ roll finisher. In his defensive role as a rim protector, he excelled thanks to accurate timing, strong perception and alertness that helped him become a feared “watchdog” guarding his territory.
He has been like that throughout the whole Summer League tournament, making an impression since his debut against the New Orleans Pelicans, when he recorded 11 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks.
All these are fine and dandy but Zubac’s attributes don’t stop there. His words after the game versus the Jazz show a kind of mentality that will be more than welcome in Staples Center. “We didn’t win. We wanted to finish with a win. I played good, but it doesn’t matter now because we lost.”
Coming from Europe, where every single game matters, the 19-year old player understands that the value of victory is much more important than any individual feats. This kind of attitude that he already possesses is quite possibly what his team has been absolutely lacking in recent years. A team that has been struggling to even make it to post season since 2013, failing to participate in the playoffs for three consecutive season.
“This is Summer League. It’s nothing yet, but it gives me confidence that I can play against these players”, Zubac then said, showing that his head is not travelling above the clouds. “I still need a lot of work, especially with my body.
The Lakers have been craving to see a true pillar in the team’s frontcourt since Pau Gasol. While putting Zubac’s name next to the one of the Spanish superstar might even appear sacrilegious right now, the Croatian’s Summer League performances and general attitude do a lot more than simply bring a wide smile on the face of everyone that affiliated in one way or another with the Lakers organization.