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NBA: 5 Rookies That Will Exceed Expectations

By Colby Giacubeno

Mar 17, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Baylor Bears forward Taurean Prince (21) dunks against the Yale Bulldogs during the first half of a first round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Baylor Bears forward Taurean Prince (21) dunks against the Yale Bulldogs during the first half of a first round game of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Buddy Hield (24) loses control of the ball after colliding with Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Buddy Hield (24) loses control of the ball after colliding with Los Angeles Lakers center Ivica Zubac (40) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Ivica Zubac

Team: Los Angeles Lakers
2015-16 statistics (KK Mega Vizura): 10.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.4 BPG
Slash Line: 50.0/0.0/80.0

It’s well-known by now that the Los Angeles Lakers have struck out on every superstar free agent that has been available in the open market.

It’s ironic considering they are one of the the most historic franchises in the NBA, but that’s what happens when the salary cap makes it pretty much an even playing field between all of the teams.

With that being said, building within the draft is the best option for the Lakers, and in the past couple of years they’ve been able to do so, despite suffering the two worst seasons in the franchise’s history.

The attention automatically goes to their No. 2 overall pick Brandon Ingram and rightfully so. He has a ton of potential to become a star. But their No. 32 pick in Ivica Zubac will end up paying dividends for them next season.

Not many knew who Zubac was prior to the draft, but it didn’t take long in summer league to realize he has tremendous skill for a 19-year-old. In five games, he averaged 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds and shot 64.7 percent from the field.

His 2.6 blocks per game average ranked second behind Edy Tavares in the Las Vegas Summer League leaderboard.

The Lakers were criticized for giving Timofey Mozgov a hefty four-year, $64 million deal. While Mozgov will be expected to play big minutes next season, head coach Luke Walton will have a solid option in Zubac to bring off the bench.

The 7’1” 265-pound big man out of Bosnia will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself, and he seems ready to take advantage of it.

Next: No. 3