The NBA announced today that LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (EE-vee-tsah ZOO-bahts) has been named to the All-Defensive Second Team. This is Zubac’s first career All-Defensive selection, and he becomes just the fifth player in franchise history to earn the honor, joining Kawhi Leonard (2019-21), Patrick Beverley (2019-20), Chris Paul (2011-17) and DeAndre Jordan (2014-16).
Anchored by Zubac, the Clippers finished third in defensive rating this season (109.4) and fifth in net rating (4.9). LA held opponents under 100 points in 20 games this year (which was tied for second most in the NBA).
The Croatian native averaged career highs of 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 0.69 steals and 32.8 minutes in 80 games (all starts) this season. Zubac led the NBA in total rebounds (1,010), becoming just the fourth Clipper to achieve this along with DeAndre Jordan (2013-14, 2014-15), Michael Cage (1987-88) and Swen Nater (1979-80). Zubac also finished the season third in the NBA in defensive win shares (min. 65 games played) and tied for ninth in plus/minus at +514.
In addition to Zubac, Toumani Camara (Portland Trail Blazers), Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies) and Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder) were also named to the 2024-25 NBA All-Defensive Second Team.