Plenty of Los Angeles Clippers fans still have a hard time believing Ivica Zubac no longer plays for their team. One month ago today is when he was shockingly dealt to the Indiana Pacers for Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round picks and one second-round pick.
Up until that day, it felt like Zubac was destined to be a Clipper for life. So it makes sense why his departure after seven years with the franchise felt like such a punch to the gut for so many fans.
On Wednesday night, Ivica made his return to Intuit Dome with the Pacers in town. Indiana didn't stand much of a chance in the game, with LA leading nearly the entire contest and winning by 23.
But the most important part of the night was getting to see number 40 back in the building.
Zubac was particularly touched by the reception he got from both Clippers fans and his former teammates. Following the game, Brook Lopez spoke in the locker room about getting to see Ivica once again.
Feb 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac celebrates with teammates on the bench against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesA Warm Reception for Zubac
"It was awesome," Lopez said of the tribute video the Clippers showed honoring Zubac. "I'm glad I got to witness it. [Kris Dunn] and I were sitting on the bench, and we looked up, and we saw a young Zu ... So proud of the person he is now, the player he is now ... It's great to see. I love me some [Zubac]."
Even though they only played together for half a season in Los Angeles, Lopez and Zubac clearly became close in short order. That should tell you a lot about the caliber of player and person Ivica is.
In his time wearing the Clipper jersey, Zubac saw the organization go through a lot of change. When he first arrived in February of 2019, the team hadn't even brought on Kawhi Leonard and Paul George yet.
Zubac Was an Era-Defining Player
Zubac got to see the Clippers transition from playing at the Staples Center/Crypto.com Arena to their own brand-new home at Intuit Dome. He also had the experience of playing with a plethora of talented teammates in his seven years in Southern California.
Unfortunately, Clippers fans who showed up to this game expecting to see their former starting center dominating on the court once again were disappointed. Zubac is still yet to make his Pacers debut, as he continues recovering from a left ankle sprain.
But that didn't ultimately take away from the significance of the evening.
The tribute video, the reception from the crowd, and the joy from former teammates all served as a reminder of what he meant to this franchise.
Some players just pass through organizations, but Ivica Zubac left a mark.