Chandler Parsons believes the LA Clippers executed one of the biggest fleece jobs in NBA history as they got a talented big man from the LA Lakers for limited assets.
The LA Clippers secured a stellar 105-102 win in Game 2 of their first round series against the Denver Nuggets.
It was a classic Kawhi Leonard performance that helped the Clippers clinch a game on the road against the 2023 champions.
The two-time Finals MVP scored 39 points on 78.9% shooting from the field to remind people how great a performer he is on the big stage.
Similar to Game 1, where Russell Westbrook showed up during clutch with a game winning defensive play, Game 2 was close, but the Clippers did just enough to level the series.
Ivica Zubac was another player who had a massive outing against the Nuggets as he scored 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds on the night.
The centre has done a great job on Nikola Jokic as the three-time MVP has not been as influential in the series as he would have liked.
Former NBA player Chandler Parsons shared a very interesting take on Ivica Zubac and how great he has been for the Clippers since moving to the team.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesParsons believes Ivica Zubac trade was the biggest fleece jobs
Zubac was drafted by the LA Lakers in 2016 in the second round, but they did not utilise him greatly as he spend more time in the G-League affiliate team.
He was traded to the Clippers in 2019 in exchange for only Mike Muscala, who retired from the NBA after 11 seasons.
Parsons stated this trade by the Clippers was one of the biggest fleece jobs in NBA history.
Speaking about his brilliance in the playoffs on the ‘Run it Back’ show, Parsons said: “I always find it fascinating when a guy is not an All-Star and has a chance to be All-NBA, it just shows you his growth, his progress, his production throughout the entire season and how important he is to this team.
“He is so good, he is so consistent, career numbers through the roof, he is awesome, he is fantastic, I think I saw the trade it was like LA traded him for like Mike Muscala, might be the best fleece job of all-time.”
Ivica Zubac is key for the Clippers in this series
Alongside being the contender for the Most Improved Player award, Zubac has had a season worthy of being one of the best defensive centres in the league.
In the first two games against the Nuggets, the Croatian has been immense for the Clippers, averaging over 15 points and 12 rebounds.
He is up against one of the MVP frontrunners in the form of Jokic, which is a tough assignment for anyone.
Although Jokic had a triple-double in Game 2, the Serbian turned the ball over seven times, which is something that does not happen a lot.
Understandably, all of this is not only down to Zubac as a lot of help came in to contain Jokic, but the big man has done well to slow the three-time MVP down.
With the series heading to the Intuit dome, the Clippers have an advantage, but the Nuggets are an experienced roster and can win on the road as well, which is why Zubac will have to continue delivering for them.
James Harden and Leonard are very important for the Clippers on the offensive end, but Zubac has two-way responsibility and they will need the best of him on both ends for any chance to win the series.