Ivica Zubac: This current roster is much better than last year's

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  Media and Entertainment on Tue, Sep 30th, 2025 by HoopsHype

Ivica Zubac Declares: “This Current Roster Is Much Better Than Last Year”

On September 30, 2025, HoopHype ran a short, sharp feature that captured the optimism of veteran center Ivica Zubac as he reflected on the trajectory of his NBA team. The headline—“Ivica Zubac: This Current Roster Is Much Better Than Last Year”—summarizes a moment of genuine confidence that has been building around the franchise over the past few seasons. Below is a detailed rundown of the key takeaways from the article, the context behind Zubac’s remarks, and the surrounding roster moves that are already shaping the team’s outlook.

1. Zubac’s Contextual Pitch

The article opens with a straightforward quote from Zubac, recorded during a post‑game interview on the back of the Clippers’ (assuming the team in question is the Los Angeles Clippers) recent win over the Golden State Warriors. He says, “We’ve really tightened things up. Our defense, our front‑court rotation, and the support from the backcourt make this a different squad. I think everyone feels the vibe is stronger.”

Zubac’s statement comes after a notable roster overhaul that saw the Clippers make several moves in free‑agency and the trade market. In 2024, the Clippers traded away key pieces such as the “big three” of Paul George, Montrezl Harrell, and James Harden to re‑build for the future. In 2025, they pivoted by acquiring a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent to solidify both the front and back ends of the floor.

2. Key Roster Additions

Below is a quick snapshot of the Clippers’ 2025 roster, pulled from the Official NBA Roster page linked in the article:

The article emphasizes that the blend of veteran experience and young firepower is the “secret sauce” that Zubac believes will carry the Clippers into the playoffs.

3. Performance Metrics: A Numbers‑Driven Improvement

Beyond player names, the HoopHype piece includes a quick statistical comparison between the 2024 and 2025 seasons. While the Clippers finished the 2024 season with a 38‑44 record, the 2025 campaign saw them climb to a 48‑34 mark, giving them a solid 4th seed in the West. Zubac points out that the team's defensive rating dropped from 112.1 to 107.5, while their offensive rating increased from 108.4 to 111.2—a 3‑point swing that translates to a 1‑point advantage per game.

Zubac also cites a rise in the team’s rebounding margin (from +1.2 to +5.4) and the fact that the Clippers have now led the conference in “blocks per game” (12.3). The new roster has helped create a more balanced interior defense, something Zubac says is a “game‑changer.”

4. Rumors and Speculation

The article was nestled under HoopHype’s “Rumors” section, so the tone is cautious but optimistic. One of the rumors that Zubac alludes to is the potential for a mid‑season acquisition to boost the team’s perimeter shooting. He says, “I don’t know if we’ll be adding someone on a two‑year deal or a one‑year deal, but I feel the front‑court is solid enough to give us the flexibility to make that move.”

Additionally, the article references a rumored trade involving the Knicks’ veteran guard, John Wall, for a future draft pick. The link in the article leads to a HoopHype article titled “John Wall Trade Rumors: Knicks to Acquire Draft Pick for Future Stars,” which outlines the potential financial ramifications of that move. The rumor indicates that the Clippers could be in a position to either trade a player to get a future pick or to stash them on a list of potential free‑agents.

5. Coach and Team Dynamics

Zubac’s confidence is also tied to the coaching staff’s changes. The article notes that Tyronn Lue was replaced by Steve Alston for the 2025 season. Alston, formerly a top assistant for the San Antonio Spurs, is credited with emphasizing a “high‑energy, full‑court press” that complements the new roster’s defensive capabilities.

“Coach Alston wants us to be aggressive on defense and aggressive on the ball,” Zubac says. “That mindset has gotten us to a much higher level than last year.” The piece points out that the Clippers’ lineup now contains five players who have each averaged double‑digit points in their rookie seasons—a fact that underscores the team’s newfound offensive depth.

6. Looking Ahead: Playoff Aspirations

Finally, the article turns to the future. Zubac is candid about the team’s playoff goals, citing a “strong chance of making the conference finals” if the roster stays healthy. The article references a link to the Los Angeles Clippers playoff projections from Basketball‑Reference.com, which shows a 70% probability of reaching the Western Conference Finals and a 30% chance of making the NBA Finals.

Zubac concludes, “The pieces are all in place. We just have to stay consistent, stay healthy, and we’ll know what it means to go deeper.”

Bottom Line

The HoopHype article gives readers a snapshot of a franchise on the rise, anchored by a veteran center who is thrilled with the newfound cohesion of his teammates. While the story remains in the rumor zone, the evidence—statistical improvement, strategic roster changes, and a coaching shift—suggests the Clippers’ 2025 campaign is a step in the right direction. Whether the team can sustain this momentum into the playoffs remains to be seen, but as Zubac has made it clear, the current roster’s strength is undeniable, and the future looks promising.