The Clippers have surprised everyone. With Kawhi Leonard out indefinitely, everyone counted them out at the start of the season. However, the available players have stepped up their game and helped the team grab the seventh spot in the West standings. Obviously, James Harden is the one leading the charge. But there is one more star who deserves the credit. Big Man Ivica Zubac! And he proved his mettle tonight by going from being questionable before the game to playing 40 minutes and firing on all cylinders.

Yes, before the Grizzlies clash, he was downgraded to questionable due to right calf soreness. However, Zubac made a surprise entry to the lineup just minutes before tip off and dominated with a 20-20 performance. After the Clippers’ big win, Ty Lue shed light on Zubac’s last-minute status change, “I mean that’s just who he is you know. He wants to play every single night. We knew it couldn’t get any worse because he got kneed or kicked in his calf instead of straining something.”

The head coach continued, “So, we knew if he could play through the pain that he would be okay… Went and tested it out, got there on the floor like you said, he went from not playing to playing 40 minutes. So, that’s just who he is.” Sure enough, Zubac’s availability proved a massive advantage for his team as he helped them make a double-digit comeback in the second half to win the game. Moreover, Zu limited the Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey big man duo to only 27 combined points. And that might have boosted his chances of getting his career’s first All-Star nod.

Can Ivica Zubac be an All-Star? Ty Lue and James Harden chime in

Well, Zubac has been a dominant force ever since he joined the Clippers. And he has taken his game to another level this year as he is averaging a career-high 15 points and over twelve rebounds. Many believe that he should be an All-Star. And Ty Lue even addressed what Zu needs to do to receive that nod, “Just keep doing what he’s doing. Just play the right way, play hard, compete, continue to do what he’s doing.”

Moreover, the head coach had high praise for his star Center, “You can’t make the coaches put you on there, but I mean I think they see what he’s been able to do and how he’s progressed as a player. Every year, he’s gotten better… He’s been great for us. That’s all that really matters.” Meanwhile, James Harden shared a similar sentiment after Zu’s impressive outing, “He’s been consistent every night… He’s a huge part of our success and what we’re trying to do.”

Not only that, The Beard also issued a challenge for Zubac until the All-Star results come in, “Just stay consistent man… You gotta be the guy. You gotta dominate.” However, it will be extremely difficult to make the All-Star team with players like Nikola Jokic and Anthony Davis most likely locks in the front court. So, even if Zubac continues to up his game, the competition in the West might not allow him to make the All-Star team. Do you agree?