Former Knicks & Grizzlies Star Delivers Shocking Take on Clippers’ Ivica Zubac: “Most Underrated Big Man in the League

Former Knicks & Grizzlies Star Delivers Shocking Take on Clippers’ Ivica Zubac: “Most Underrated Big Man in the League

In an era where basketball has become heavily reliant on perimeter shooting and fast-paced offense, traditional big men often find themselves overlooked. However, Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac is proving that there’s still room for old-school dominance in the modern NBA. And recently, one of the league’s most respected former power forwards made a bold statement that’s reigniting appreciation for the classic big man.

On a recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaquille O’Neal, NBA legend and former Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks star Zach Randolph praised Zubac’s game, suggesting the Clippers center could have thrived during the more physical, low-post dominated eras of the 1980s and 1990s.

“So who’s a big man you watch today and think, ‘They could’ve played with us?’” Shaq asked Randolph during their discussion about the evolution of the center position.

Without hesitation, Randolph responded, “I like Zubac. I think Zubac could’ve bumped with us back then.”

That kind of endorsement carries serious weight—especially coming from Randolph, who built a successful career through toughness, footwork, and a fundamentally sound post game. His words highlight Zubac’s ability to excel in an era that prioritised strength and grit over flash and finesse.

Zubac’s 2024–2025 season statistics back up Randolph’s praise. Appearing in 80 games, the Clippers big man averaged an impressive 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He also shot an efficient 62.8% from the field, embodying the hallmark of what a dominant inside scorer should be. Zubac’s 15-game double-double streak late in the season was capped off with a spectacular performance against the Houston Rockets, where he notched his first career triple-double: 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Zubac earned a spot on the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team and was in the running for the Most Improved Player award—evidence of the strides he’s made not just offensively but also as a rim protector and anchor for the Clippers’ defense.

As the game continues to evolve, players like Zubac serve as a bridge between eras. His style, reminiscent of big men like Randolph and O’Neal, stands as a testament to the fact that effective post play and interior presence still matter. With praise from legends and the numbers to support it, Zubac is making his case as one of the league’s most underrated and impactful centers—past or present.