Is Zubac really becoming a cancer for the team, causing losses when he plays, unlike when he's absent during the Northern Expedition?

After losing to the Knicks yesterday, it seems the Clippers have reverted to the half-hearted form they showed early in the season.

Harden put up 23 points and 9 assists; Leonard scored 25; Zubac was 11-for-14 with 22 points and 11 rebounds (8 on the offensive glass). Despite these good individual stats, the Clippers couldn’t close out the game. The Knicks pulled away in the final quarter, and the Clippers have gone 1-2 in their last three games, pausing their Northern Expedition journey.

These three games also happen to be the ones since Zubac’s return. After Trae Young was traded, Zubac has seemingly replaced him as the most awkwardly positioned player in the league. The Clippers went on a six-game winning streak without him, but since his comeback, their performance has been shaky.

For example, Leonard had a great first half yesterday with 21 points but suddenly went cold in the second half, scoring only 4 points and none in the final quarter. This was largely because when he and Zubac were leading the offense, Leonard couldn’t penetrate at all, attempting only one shot near the basket in the entire second half.

The 25 points Leonard scored yesterday was his highest in the last three games. During the winning streak, Leonard consistently put up high scores, but after Zubac returned, Leonard’s offense went dry. The root cause is that Zubac clogs the space, greatly limiting the penetration of both Harden and Leonard. Without the threat of driving in, opponents can simplify their defensive strategy, making it impossible for your mid- and long-range shots to stay accurate all game.

Although Zubac’s stats look impressive with 11 of 14 shooting for 22 points and 11 rebounds, the Clippers were outscored by 10 points when he was on the floor. He can finish some easy baskets and post-ups, but beyond that, he contributes very little positive impact. Defensively, Zubac struggles to contain opponents, often leaving them open for three-point shots.

Compared to his passive defense, Zubac’s biggest problem lies on offense. His scoring ability hasn’t declined much, but he no longer fits well with the Clippers’ two main stars on the floor. Because Zubac can’t shoot outside the paint, defenders can afford to ignore him and focus their coverage on the perimeter players.

Also, since Zubac occupies the paint, ball movement for the Clippers has become more difficult. As a result, familiar patterns like forced isolation plays, contested mid-range jumpers, and disjointed offensive rhythm have returned.

Considering that starting Big Lou performed well during the winning streak, the Clippers might try having Zubac play some minutes off the bench, pairing him with Harden to run the offense, at least allowing them to execute some pick-and-roll plays.

However, Zubac only came off the bench for one and a half quarters in his first game back; he started the second half and has started the last two games as well. Tyronn Lue says he doesn’t want to disrupt team chemistry, but it’s clear to everyone that the Clippers have regressed.

Zubac has been with the Clippers for more than a season now and played well last season, fitting in with the starting lineup. Why isn’t it working this season? The main reason is the decline in the Clippers’ shooting ability, or more bluntly, the loss of Powell.

On a team with strong outside shooting, Zubac’s weaknesses wouldn’t be so exposed. His rebounding and inside scoring would still benefit the team. But after losing Powell and with Beal out for the season, the Clippers’ shooting has been severely weakened. The starting duo of Dunn and Zubac creates disastrous spacing on the floor.

Zubac needs teammates who can knock down three-pointers, but this season, when he’s on the court, his teammates face greater defensive pressure and fail to make their shots from deep. This has gradually become a dead end.

Three-point shooting and fast breaks are currently two of the most valued aspects in the league, but Zubac has little to do with either. He can be effective in pick-and-roll plays with Harden, but when he shares the floor with Leonard, it significantly diminishes Leonard’s impact. It’s time for Tyronn Lue to realize that Zubac and Leonard need to be on the court at different times.

Traditional centers like Zubac have shrinking roles in today’s league. How many young big men can’t shoot threes now? Even Klingen’s three-point shot has become reliable. Even if Zubac could shoot mid-range shots, without demanding high accuracy, his situation would improve drastically.

Fortunately, Zubac’s trade value is still better than Trae Young’s. If Zubac can join a team that doesn’t lack shooting and perimeter scoring, his situation would improve a lot. Meanwhile, the Clippers could use him to acquire players better suited to their current roster.

With less than a month until the trade deadline, the Clippers’ front office needs to start making moves.