Lakers: Breaking Down Ivica Zubac’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Strength: Offensive Polish

Throughout Summer League, Ivica Zubac demonstrated a surprisingly well-rounded game on the offensive end of the floor. With great touch around the basket Zubac was able to score on hooks and flip-shots over a variety of different defenders. His foot work and feel for the post-game was especially impressive for a player who is still just a teenager.

Zubac showed the ability to read situations in the post, working his way into solid position and making good decisions with the situations presented to him. If no help came, he tended to use a drop step to get to the middle, finished off with a gentle hook-shot; when help cut him off, he turned to a Gasol-esque fadeaway that he could put off the glass or straight in.

When the help was too strong he showed impressive vision out of the post, making several passes to wide open shooters that should have resulted in assists. This type of post presence is fairly rare in today’s NBA, but can still be extremely valuable when used correctly.

The excitement surrounding his offensive game grew when he showed the ability to hit midrange jump-shots out to around 20 feet. While there was talk about him possessing three-point range, he never actually got the opportunity to shoot one within the flow of the game.

If he can develop a three-point shot, Zubac could become one of the most valuable and rare types of players in the league. A hulking rim-protector who can also space the floor is an invaluable asset and giving that sort of weapon to a innovative coach like Luke Walton could allow him to wreak havoc on the league.

Next: Weakness: Physical Strength or Lack Thereof