By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
As frontcourt players increasingly step away from the paint, New Orleans Pelicans forward-center Karlo Matkovic wants to follow. The 25-year-old Croatian proved he can space the floor by hitting 37.8% of his deep looks over his first two years in the NBA, making 59 out of 156 attempts. Heading into the 2026–27 Regular Season, he plans to be even sharper from distance.
Following up on his recent appearances with the senior national team of Croatia in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, Matkovic feels no pressure when pulling up from the corners or above the break. His coaches have given him a permanent green light.
“For sure. Even during the national team, I was shooting it really good,” he mentioned after team practice on Monday. “Even from the top right now, I feel good about it. Open shots, they told me like, ‘Shoot it, don’t hesitate.’ I won’t.”
This attack mindset shows real growth. Drafted in 2022, he spent two more seasons in Europe before moving to New Orleans in 2024. Escaping traditional interior habits took work.
“You got used to get the ball on the top, swing out the side, go set up and roll,” he explained. “Sometimes you’ll be hesitant in that area. Right now, if you’re open, I see a bucket, so definitely going to shoot the open ones.”
Matkovic can display his updated perimeter style on Tuesday. The Pelicans meet the Oklahoma City Thunder at the BOK Center to start their exhibition slate. After four warm-up games, they open the Regular Season against the Indiana Pacers at the Smoothie King Center on October 21.
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