Karlo Matković Bio
Karlo Matković is a Croatian professional basketball player who currently serves as a center and power forward for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on 30 March 2001 in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Matković was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the 52nd overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. He represents the Croatia national team internationally and has competed professionally in European basketball since 2018 before joining the NBA ranks.
Early Life and Background
Karlo Matković was born to a Croatian family in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Growing up in the region, he developed his basketball skills at a young age and emerged as a promising prospect in European youth basketball. His early development caught the attention of scouts and analysts who recognized his potential as a tall, athletic forward with versatility on both ends of the court.
In 2017, Matković participated in the Jordan Brand Classic camp, a prestigious event that showcases top international basketball talent. The following year, in August 2018, he attended the Basketball Without Borders Europe camp in Belgrade, Serbia, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina at the event. These experiences against high-level competition helped accelerate his development and exposure to professional basketball structures.
Path to Professional Basketball
Matković joined the Cedevita youth academy in Croatia, one of the most respected basketball development programs in Southeast Europe. His progression through the youth ranks demonstrated consistent improvement in his skills, physical attributes, and basketball IQ. The Cedevita organization, known for developing Croatian talent and integrating young players into professional competition, provided him with the foundation needed to transition to senior-level basketball.
During the 2018–19 Croatian League season, Matković was promoted to the Cedevita senior team, marking his official entry into professional basketball. In April 2019, he signed his first professional contract with Cedevita, solidifying his commitment to the club and their development vision for his career. This contract represented a significant milestone in his journey from youth prospect to professional athlete.
Karlo Matković Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Following his promotion to the Cedevita senior team, Matković continued developing his game against experienced professional players in the Croatian League and regional competitions. In September 2019, Cedevita loaned him to OKK Beograd for the 2019–20 Serbian League season, providing him with valuable experience in a different basketball system and exposure to Serbian basketball’s competitive environment.
In August 2020, Matković was loaned to Mega Basket (Mega Soccerbet) for the 2020–21 ABA League season, one of Europe’s strongest regional leagues featuring clubs from Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. This move to Mega Basket represented an important step in his development, as the club has a reputation for developing young talent and providing significant playing time.
NBA Draft Journey
Following the 2020–21 season, Matković declared his name for the 2021 NBA Draft, indicating his ambition to pursue a career in the world’s top basketball league. However, he withdrew his draft candidacy on July 19, 2021, choosing to continue developing his skills in Europe before making the transition. This decision reflected a measured approach to his career development.
In April 2022, Matković declared for the 2022 NBA Draft. The New Orleans Pelicans selected him with the 52nd overall pick in the second round. He joined the Pelicans for the 2022 NBA Summer League to showcase his abilities. Despite the selection, he did not immediately join the Pelicans for the 2022–23 NBA season and returned to Europe.
Cedevita Olimpija (2022–2024)
On July 23, 2022, Matković signed with Cedevita Olimpija, the Ljubljana-based club resulting from the merger of Cedevita and Olimpija. This move allowed him to compete in both the Slovenian League and the ABA League while continuing to develop under professional coaching. The Slovenian club provided him with a platform to refine his skills and maintain his competitiveness for future NBA opportunities.
During his time with Cedevita Olimpija, Matković established himself as a dominant interior presence. In the 2023–24 season, he led the EuroCup in blocks, demonstrating his defensive capabilities and shot-blocking instincts at a high European level. On February 4, 2024, he departed from Cedevita Olimpija, concluding a significant chapter in his European career that included championship success.
New Orleans Pelicans and Birmingham Squadron (2024–Present)
On February 22, 2024, Matković joined the Birmingham Squadron, the NBA G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans. This move represented his official entry into the NBA ecosystem and an opportunity to adapt to the American basketball style while continuing his development. The G League provided him with competitive game experience and exposure to the Pelicans organization.
On July 14, 2024, Matković signed with the New Orleans Pelicans, officially joining the NBA roster. He made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, in a 123–111 victory over the Chicago Bulls, marking the realization of his long-held ambition to compete in the NBA. Throughout his rookie season with the Pelicans, he has received several assignments to the Birmingham Squadron to continue his development and gain additional playing time.
Playing Style and Strengths
At 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters) and 231 pounds (105 kilograms), Matković possesses the size and length to compete effectively as both a center and power forward. His primary strengths include shot-blocking ability, interior defense, and the physical tools to finish around the basket. His EuroCup blocks leader distinction in 2024 underscores his value as a defensive presence who can protect the rim and alter opposing teams’ offensive strategies in the paint.
Notable Events and Milestones
Matković’s career highlights include winning the Slovenian League championship and Slovenian Cup in 2023 with Cedevita Olimpija, completing a domestic double. He also captured the Croatian Cup in 2019 with Cedevita and participated in the prestigious Jordan Brand Classic in 2017. Being selected 52nd overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2022 NBA Draft represented a significant milestone in his progression from European youth basketball to the NBA.
Karlo Matković Career Wins
Throughout his professional career spanning 2018 to present, Matković has accumulated notable victories across Croatian, Slovenian, and European competitions. His team successes demonstrate his ability to contribute to winning programs at various levels of European basketball.
Club Honors
Matković won the Slovenian League championship in 2023 during his tenure with Cedevita Olimpija. That same year, he secured the Slovenian Cup, contributing to a successful season for his club. In 2019, he was part of the Cedevita team that won the Croatian Cup, one of his earliest professional achievements. These accomplishments reflect his capability to perform in high-pressure situations and contribute to team success at multiple levels of European basketball.
Karlo Matković National Team Career
Matković represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at the under-18 level, participating in the 2018 FIBA U18 European Championship held in Latvia. Over seven tournament games, he averaged 8.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His team finished the tournament with a 0–7 record, but Matković’s individual performances showcased his potential as a young international prospect.
In November 2021, Matković expressed his interest in representing Croatia at the senior international level. He made his debut for the Croatia national team in February 2022 during a 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers match against Sweden. This transition marked his commitment to representing Croatia internationally, aligning with his Croatian heritage and nationality.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents Matković’s second year within the New Orleans Pelicans organization and his first full NBA campaign. After signing with the team in July 2024 and making his NBA debut in October 2024, he continues adjusting to the speed, physicality, and strategic demands of NBA competition. His assignments to the Birmingham Squadron throughout the 2024–25 season have provided essential development opportunities.
The New Orleans Pelicans organization maintains a clear development pathway for Matković, balancing his NBA exposure with the G League’s competitive environment. His defensive instincts and shot-blocking ability align with the modern NBA’s value for versatile big men who can protect the rim while remaining mobile. The partnership between the Pelicans and Birmingham Squadron creates a supportive structure for his continued growth.
Looking ahead, Matković aims to solidify his role within the Pelicans’ frontcourt rotation and establish himself as a reliable contributor at the NBA level. His European success, particularly his EuroCup blocks leader honor, demonstrates his ability to impact winning at a high level. With continued development and opportunity, he possesses the tools to build a meaningful NBA career while continuing to represent Croatia on the international stage.