2. Ivica Zubac
If it weren’t for a player who ain’t even stretch though, then rookie center Ivica Zubac would be at the top of the list of players who stood out. When he was selected with the No. 32 overall pick in this past draft by the Lakers, there were plenty of people who said that the big man was a first-round talent, but that he was young and wanted to come over now. After watching the 7-2 Croatian in Summer League, it’s clear to see why the Lakers and others were high on him but also clear why he thought he was ready to come over.
Zubac showed so many tremendous things throughout his time in Vegas. The big fella showed the ability to run the floor exceptionally well at just 19 years old in addition to showing that he has tremendous feel and timing on the defensive end of the floor, obviously spawning the “Zublocka” nickname. If that wasn’t enough, he showed that he has a bit of a touch around the rim offensively that could prove to be quite valuable as he keeps developing.
What the 19-year-old Croatian showed in Summer League exceeded the expectations of almost every Lakers fan. Yes, there are still holes in his game and even in his frame that he needs to work to remedy, but he’s far more advanced right now than it would seem that many people expected him to be. If it weren’t for the guy at No. 1, Zubac would easily be the player that stood out the most over the past 1.5 weeks.
Next: No. 1 D-Lo