The New Orleans Pelicans have secured 6-foot-11 center Karlo Matkovic with a three-year, $4.9 million contract, marking a significant move to bolster their frontcourt depth, NBA insider Shams Charania reported.
Matkovic, initially selected as the 52nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Pelicans, joins the team after showcasing his skills in various leagues.
Following his draft selection, Matkovic participated in the 2022 NBA Summer League with the Pelicans but pursued opportunities overseas before returning to the U.S.
During the 2023-24 season, Matkovic made a notable impact with the Birmingham Squadron in the NBA G League, averaging 17.3 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. His performance highlighted his potential and readiness for the NBA level.
The Croatian center’s journey to the Pelicans included a stint with Cedevita Olimpija and a successful tenure in the G League, where he consistently demonstrated his scoring ability and versatility on the court.
