Ivica Zubac

Ivica Zubac (born March 18, 1997) is a Croatian professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 7-foot center known for his elite rim protection and rebounding, Zubac has transitioned from a second-round sleeper into one of the league’s most reliable interior anchors.

Following a long tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers, Zubac was acquired by the Pacers at the 2026 trade deadline to bolster their frontcourt for a championship push.

 

Early Life 

European Career

Zubac was born in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and grew up in Čitluk. He holds dual citizenship but identifies as Croatian. His professional journey began in the youth system of the legendary Croatian club KK Cibona.

He made his debut in the Croatian top-tier league and the ABA League during the 2014–15 season. In February 2016, due to financial difficulties at Cibona, he signed with Mega Leks in Serbia, where he caught the attention of NBA scouts with his soft hands and physical frame.

NBA Career

Los Angeles Lakers (2016–2019)

The Los Angeles Lakers selected Zubac with the 32nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. During his early years, he showed flashes of potential, including a 25-point performance as a rookie, and even received mentorship from Lakers legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the “skyhook”. However, the Lakers traded him in February 2019 to the cross-town Clippers in a move that is still widely debated by fans.

Los Angeles Clippers (2019–2026)

Zubac blossomed with the Clippers, becoming a “steady force” in their starting lineup. He was a key part of the 2021 team that reached the franchise’s first Western Conference Finals.

• Awards: He earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2025.
• Milestone: On April 9, 2025, he recorded his first career triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Indiana Pacers (2026–Present)

On February 5, 2026, the Clippers traded Zubac to the Indiana Pacers in a blockbuster deal involving Bennedict Mathurin and multiple draft picks. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has expressed interest in expanding Zubac’s game, potentially utilizing him as a floor-spacer and playmaker from the corner.

Career Highlights

• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2025)
• FIBA World Cup Gold Medalist (U19) (2015 – Silver with Croatia)
• Lithuanian Cup Winner (2017)
• Career Highs: 33 points (Dec 10, 2025) and 29 rebounds (Nov 27, 2022)

Personal Life

Zubac is married to Kristina Prišč. He is known for his humility and remains a dedicated member of the Croatian national team, leading them in multiple FIBA tournaments.