5 Roster moves the LA Clippers need to make this offseason

5 roster moves the LA Clippers need to make this offseason

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 21: Paul George #13 and Terance Mann #14 of the Los Angeles Clippers react after a shot made by teammate Reggie Jackson #1 during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on November 21, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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Apr 9, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) drives against Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) and forward Justin Holiday (9) and guard Davion Mitchell (15) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

5 roster moves the LA Clippers need to make this offseason: 2. Pick up Ivica Zubac’s option and extend him

The Clippers were very well served by their starting center. He played 76 games, averaging 10.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 0.5 steals in 24.4 minutes per game. These are solid numbers for a player who is a third or fourth option.

Ivica Zubac is a player who knows his own game particularly well. Zubac did not take a shot from the perimeter last season. Instead, he took 6.5 attempts per game from inside the arc, making 62.6 percent of them. His 2.9 offensive rebounds per game certainly helped in that regard, too.

Zubac is due $7.5 million next season which is a drop in the ocean for the Clippers. They have $170.9 million in salary committed for next year. They are able to bring back most of the roster from last season, and with Leonard set to return to the floor in the 2022-23 season, the Clippers will look like true contenders.

Zubac’s ability to fit with the team’s stars and do the dirty work will not be easily replaced for the money that he is on. He is more crucial to the Clippers’ chances of a title than any other role player. The Clippers need to lock him up long-term as he is a key piece for the franchise.

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