In an in-depth interview with Basketball Sphere, New Orleans Pelicans center Karlo Matkovic reflected on his rookie NBA season, his matchups with Nikola Jokic, and the unpredictability of this year’s playoffs.
After his first NBA season, Karlo Matkovic spoke to Basketball Sphere, the former Mega standout shared his thoughts on the unpredictable NBA playoffs, his experiences facing Nikola Jokic, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the state of the Croatian national team.
Points this season
New Orleans Pelicans
NBA
As the playoffs rage on with upsets across both NBA conferences, Matkovic is loving the chaos.
“Honestly, I don’t even know who to call a favorite,” Matkovic said. “It’s so unpredictable that you really don’t know who to root for because you don’t know who’s going to win. And that’s what I love, really... This one is top, because you don’t know who’s going to beat who.”
One of the most anticipated matchups for Matkovic was the series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets, which had strong Balkan representation.
“Clippers – Nuggets, I watched that, it was amazing... I love watching Zubac, and playing against him too, because he’s always locked in... I saw that no one has better defensive stats against Jokic than Zubac,” the 24-year-old stated. “If Zubac can do it, why couldn’t I? He’s one of us, so why not?”
This comparison to Ivica Zubac hits close to home, as both centers had humble beginnings before finding their stride in the NBA. Matkovic sees the value of having an elite guard to boost a big man’s production, referencing Elfrid Payton 22-assist game.
“When you have a point guard like that who knows how to run pick-and-roll and read the game, the game becomes 100 times easier... You know you’ll give more with him, you unconsciously want it more, he pulls you in.”
Jokic remains an idol and source of inspiration for Matkovic.
“I’m waiting for Jokic to beat the Thunder... His teammates need to have him, because no one can stop him... A classic hooper who came to school others — that’s Jokic for you.”
On the Pelicans, Matkovic acknowledges the unique rhythm of the NBA season and the difficulty of breaking through.
“At the start of the season, you don’t play much – a bit in the G League, a bit up, a bit down. It all goes fast... There is practice, but it’s minimal... You train more with coaches than with players,” Croatian big added.
“An animal,” Matkovic said. “That’s the best way to describe him... We’re running the fast break, I’m behind him, he’s going at LeBron, jumps from the free-throw line... As we’re getting back on defense, I’m thinking – how is this possible?”
Matkovic also shared his perspective on the on-court incident with Kevin Durant.
“Honestly, I didn’t even notice it at first... I asked him why he hit me, and he said I nailed him on a screen with my shoulder... He was my idol, and now he’s hitting me. I reacted how I reacted – I don’t really care, we’ll play again, he’ll come into another screen…”
On the potential NBA Europe project, Matkovic says it's more serious than people think.
“CJ McCollum is the president of the Players Union and told me it’s going to be great... Most likely, it will be some football clubs like Manchester United and City, Paris Saint-Germain.”
Finally, Matkovic addressed the Croatian national team — a subject he clearly cares deeply about.
“You said it all well, but what do we lack? For all of us to be together and, as always, have a true playmaker... There are plenty of big men, but few guards.”
He acknowledges the team’s structural issues and reflects on the missed Olympic opportunity.
“We were one step away from qualifying for the Olympics, then Bosnia and Herzegovina beat us on a shooting frenzy in Skenderija... We lacked hustle,” he concluded.
Despite only getting significant minutes in the second half of the season, Matkovic made a strong impression. He averaged 7.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game on 57% shooting.
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