When it comes to naming the best centers in the league, Nikola Jokic has had a stranglehold on the top spot for several years now.
This season, other centers such as Karl-Anthony Towns, Victor Wembanyama, Bam Adebayo, Domantas Sabonis, and Alperen Sengun have all played well, yet they are still clearly a tier below Jokic. This is more indicative of Jokic’s all-time level of brilliance more than anything though as the Denver Nuggets’ three-time NBA Most Valuable Player is on pace to average a triple double over a full season for the first time in his career.
Unlike Jokic’s top stratum, the second echelon of centers in the NBA remains a fluid group with names that come and go. Ivica Zubac of the Los Angeles Clippers has never truly been considered a player worthy of inclusion into this upper class, but if he keeps on playing the way that he has in recent weeks, then it will be difficult to leave him off any list of the best centers in the league today.

The offseason departure of Paul George and the delayed season debut of Kawhi Leonard due to injury opened up more offensive opportunities for Zubac with the Clippers and he has capitalized on this situation.
The 27-year-old Zubac is enjoying the best season of his nine-year NBA career by far, averaging 15.1 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 0.7 steals–all of which are career-high numbers–through his first 44 games. He is also hitting 61.4% of his field goal attempts and blocking 1.2 shots per game.

This January, Zubac has been a model of consistency, tallying at least 10 points and eight rebounds in each of his 11 appearances for Los Angeles. He has posted several gaudy statlines as well, including two 20/20 games–a 21-point, 20 rebound performance in a win versus the Miami Heat and a 21-point, 22-rebound showing in their victory over Wembanyama and his San Antonio Spurs.
Zubac has also had games with 18 points and 18 rebounds, 17 points and 16 rebounds, 21 points and 19 rebounds, and 25 points and 16 rebounds all in this month alone.
The hard work Zubac has put in over the years continues to pay dividends. His ever-improving post moves and footwork, combined with his soft touch and physicality, have pushed him to the cusp of becoming one of the NBA’s top centers. He may never reach the level of Jokic or Wembanyama, but if he can consistently provide the Clippers with even 80% of what these two superstars bring, then this puts them in a position to win on a nightly basis.
Los Angeles’ belief in Zubac is now being rewarded in a big way and and everyone will be eagerly watching to see how far he can go.
