Who Is Karlo Matković?

Karlo Matković is a professional basketball player who plays for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. Born on March 30, 2001, in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, he developed his basketball skills in European leagues before making his way to the NBA.

Matković plays as a power forward and center. His combination of size, mobility, and defensive instincts makes him a valuable frontcourt option. He wears jersey number 17 for New Orleans.

Karlo Matković Draft: When Was He Drafted?

Karlo Matković entered the NBA through the 2022 NBA Draft. The New Orleans Pelicans selected him with the 52nd overall pick in the second round.

At the time, he was playing for Mega Basket in Serbia. His performances in European basketball attracted attention because of his athleticism, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability.

However, Matković did not immediately join the Pelicans. He continued developing his game in Europe before signing his first standard NBA contract in July 2024.

His delayed NBA arrival allowed him to gain valuable professional experience before competing at the highest level.

Karlo Matković Height and Weight

Karlo Matković has the physical measurements required to compete against NBA frontcourt players.

His NBA profile lists him at 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 metres), although some basketball databases list him at 6 feet 10 inches.

His listed weight is approximately 231 pounds (105 kg), with some earlier team materials recording a higher figure.

His height and physical strength help him defend the paint, contest shots, and compete for rebounds against opposing centers.

Karlo Matković Wingspan

Matković’s wingspan is another interesting part of his athletic profile. Some player databases report his wingspan at approximately 7 feet 2 inches.

However, this measurement is not consistently published in the official NBA profile, so it should be treated as a reported figure rather than a confirmed current measurement.

A long wingspan can help a big man contest shots, protect the rim, and collect rebounds. These qualities fit Matković’s defensive playing style.

How Old Is Karlo Matković?

Karlo Matković was born on March 30, 2001. He is 25 years old as of November 2026.

He was born in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and has represented a basketball background shaped by European competition.

Despite his relatively young age, he has already gained experience in several professional leagues and multiple NBA seasons.

Karlo Matković Contract and Salary

Matković signed his first standard NBA contract with the New Orleans Pelicans in July 2024.

Reports list the agreement as a two-year contract worth approximately $3.11 million. The original signing announcement did not disclose the financial terms.

The Pelicans subsequently exercised his team option for the 2026-27 season, worth approximately $2.3 million.

This gives the big man another opportunity to establish himself in the NBA and earn a more consistent role in New Orleans.

Karlo Matković Stats

Matković has steadily developed his game since making his NBA debut on October 23, 2024.

His NBA regular-season statistics show improvement in several areas, particularly his shooting efficiency.

NBA Regular-Season Statistics

2026-27 figures reflect the early-season statistics available in November 2026.

During the 2024-25 season, Matković averaged 7.7 points and 5.0 rebounds in 18.8 minutes per game.

In 2025-26, he appeared in 62 games and averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 60.4% from the field.

His three-point shooting also improved, reaching 42.2% during the 2025-26 regular season.

These numbers demonstrate his potential to contribute as an efficient frontcourt player.

Karlo Matković Basketball Career Before the NBA

Before joining the Pelicans, Matković spent several seasons playing professional basketball in Europe.

He began his development with Cedevita’s youth system in Croatia. He later played for OKK Beograd and Mega Basket in Serbia, gaining valuable experience against professional competition.

His time with Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia was particularly important. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 15.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks across the competitions listed in his Pelicans biography.

He also played for the Birmingham Squadron in the NBA G League, where he averaged 17.3 points and 8.0 rebounds in 10 appearances during the 2023-24 season.

These performances helped prepare him for his transition to the NBA.

What Position Does Karlo Matković Play?

Karlo Matković primarily plays power forward and center.

His versatility allows him to operate near the basket, defend larger opponents, and contribute as a mobile big man.

Offensively, he can finish around the rim and has shown the ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting.

Defensively, his athleticism and shot-blocking instincts make him useful in protecting the paint.

Conclusion

Karlo Matković has taken an interesting route to the NBA, progressing through European basketball before becoming part of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Selected 52nd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, he eventually earned his NBA opportunity in 2024. At 25 years old, he continues to develop as a power forward and center.

His height, reported wingspan, improving shooting, and defensive abilities give him opportunities to become a useful contributor in the NBA.