By Nikola Jokic / info@eurohoops.net
Karlo Matkovic made his NBA debut last October with the New Orleans Pelicans, and as the season went on, he gained increasing opportunities to play.
The Croatian center showcased his talent and proved there’s room for him on NBA courts, recording 42 regular-season appearances with the Pelicans in his rookie year.
Speaking to the media outlet from his homeland, Sportske Novosti, the 24-year-old center shared his experience from the United States and talked about the toughest opponent he faced in the league.
“It was toughest to play against Jokic. He’s constantly active — it might seem like he has slowed down, and then he explodes. You never know where he’s going; he knows all our plays. Against players like that, you have to stay fully focused. I looked up at the scoreboard at one point and saw he had 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists — and you could barely even feel it. He keeps the same rhythm the whole time,” Matkovic admitted.
He averaged 7.7 points and five rebounds for the Pelicans this season and has a guaranteed deal for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
On the other hand, Nikola Jokić averaged a triple-double during the regular season, with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, and is in the race for his fourth MVP award. The Serbian center and the Denver Nuggets are currently tied 2-2 with the Los Angeles Clippers in their NBA Playoffs first-round series.
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