Boban Marjanovic may be known for his size and soft touch around the rim, but off the court, the 7-foot-4 Serbian center is charting a path inspired by one of basketball’s most iconic figures—Shaquille O’Neal.
In a recent interview on NBC Sports, Marjanovic opened up about his passion for entertainment and the influence O’Neal has had on his life beyond the hardwood.
“Of course, watching Shaquille O’Neal and all that he does—he’s my role model,” Marjanovic said, via HoopsHype. “Everything he touches turns to gold. That’s my goal too.”
Since entering the NBA in 2015, the fan-favorite big man has steadily expanded his presence in media and pop culture. He’s appeared in commercials, feature films, and even dabbled in DJing.
“Maybe one day I’ll be a TV host—you never know,” Marjanovic said. “Maybe I’ll be a DJ—I’m working on my DJ skills.”
Although he initially viewed acting as a long shot, his experiences on set changed his outlook. “When I watched [Shaq] back then, I thought, ‘Maybe I can try.’ But I didn’t really believe it until I stepped into a couple of commercials, filmed a movie, and saw how it looked. I thought, ‘Man, I love this.’”
Now playing for the Zhejiang Lions after a brief stint with Fenerbahce, the 36-year-old veteran continues to pursue projects beyond basketball.
“They call me actor. I don’t know why,” Marjanovic joked.
Despite averaging just 8.7 minutes per game over his NBA career, Marjanovic has carved out a niche with his charisma, positivity, and versatility. His willingness to explore different ventures mirrors the blueprint O’Neal laid after retirement.
O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion, has built a post-playing legacy that spans broadcasting, music, endorsements, business, and acting. Marjanovic’s admiration of that success is evident.
“Nobody can reach him,” he said. “But I’m trying a little.”
With his sights set on building a similar legacy, Marjanovic is using the offseason to balance basketball with creative growth.
“I’m super excited about it. I’m a big fan,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”
