The net score is 14.5! Zubac s third in the league, the Clippers renew their contract early and earn money, Harden creates a miracle again

The operation of the Clippers in this offseason is textbook-level, and the successful introduction of Bill, Corinth, Lopez and Paul has greatly improved the overall strength of the team. However, the real core of the Clippers is still the trio of Harden, Leonard and Zubac. Their performance last season laid the foundation for the team, especially in the seven-game series with the Nuggets, where the three showed irreplaceable value. Among them, Harden and Zubac's internal and external cooperation is particularly eye-catching, and can be regarded as the cornerstone of the Clippers' offensive and defensive system. Before Harden joined the Clippers, Zubac was nicknamed "butter" by fans and was even deeply involved in trading rumors.

However, Harden's arrival completely changed Zubac's career trajectory. As the top passer master in the league, Harden's precise organizational ability and pick-and-roll instigation have significantly increased Zubac's offensive role. Zubac has become more confident, his offensive efficiency has been greatly improved, and his defensive end has also shown a stronger sense of presence. Last season, Zubac averaged 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game with limited shooting rights, with a shooting percentage of up to 63%. When he played against Jokic in the playoffs, his data further improved to averaging 17.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists, with a shooting percentage of 66%. The rise of

Zubac is by no means accidental. His influence on both offense and defense has ranked among the league's top centers, and is even considered to be able to compete for the top five. The US media "LAFB Network" analysis pointed out that Zubac is the pillar of the Clippers' tactical system. Without him, the Clippers' offensive and defensive system would be at risk of collapse.

Harden's pick-and-roll threat is inseparable from Zubac's finishing ability and frame protection performance in the inside. In contrast, even Capela at her peak could hardly replace Zubac’s role completely, especially in today’s alliance environment where inside resources are scarce. The

data further proves the importance of Zubac. Last season, the Clippers' net winning score increased by 14.5 points in 100 rounds while he was on the court, ranking third in the league. In addition, Zubac was selected for the best second team in the defensive position, ranking sixth in the league in defensive efficiency.

"LAFB Network" emphasized in the report: "Although the Clippers have introduced four strong players this summer, Harden, Leonard and Zubac are the real core of the team. Zubac's existence is like the backbone of the team, and his franchise protection and rebounding abilities are second to none in the league. With the help of Harden, Zubac has transformed from a role player to an All-Star center, and his performance is the fifth key factor in the Clippers' defensive efficiency in the league last season."

The chemistry between Harden and Zubac is two-way. Harden's passing talent maximizes Zubac's offensive threat, and Zubac's pick-and-roll cooperation and inside finishing ability also make Harden's organization feel at ease. This win-win cooperation model not only improves personal performance, but also makes the Clippers' overall competitiveness higher.

It is worth mentioning that Zubac showed an admirable selfless spirit at the peak of his career. He renewed his contract with the Clippers in advance and accepted a relatively low contract: his annual salary next season is $18.19 million, $19.55 million in the 26-27 season, and $21 million in the 27-28 season. The contract allows the Clippers to retain salary flexibility in the next few years while locking in the top 28-year-old center.

Zubac was born in 1997 and is at the golden age of his career. If he chooses to enter the free market, he can get a contract with an annual salary of more than 30 million yuan with his performance. Now this annual salary of less than 20 million is undoubtedly a great investment for the Clippers. Harden's influence was also fully reflected in Zubac.

Looking back on Harden's career, he can always make the inside players around him shine, from Capela during the Rockets, Embiid during the 76ers, and then to Zubac today, without exception. Harden's pass not only improved teammates' data, but also changed their professional trajectory.

No wonder inside players favor Harden - who can reject a top point guard who can make him shine? After the Clippers free up their salary space in 2027, Zubac will also become the team's only core player to be still in the contract period by then. Zubac's salary cut not only reflects his loyalty to the team, but also provides stability for the Clippers' long-term planning. Led by Harden, Leonard and Zubac, supplemented by new players in the offseason, the Clippers' lineup depth and offensive and defensive balance have reached new heights. As long as these three remain healthy and continue their tacit understanding, the Clippers will undoubtedly be a strong contender for the new season's championship.