Karlo Matkovic's time off the bench for the New Orleans Pelicans has paid dividends, as the team has decided to exercise his third-year option. Matkovic, a versatile player who can fill both the power forward and center roles, has become an integral part of the Pelicans' rotation in his second season.
This past season, Matkovic showcased his growth by averaging 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, with an impressive shooting percentage of 60.4% from the field. One of his standout attributes is his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting. He made a significant leap in his three-point shooting, hitting 42.2% from beyond the arc, a noteworthy improvement from his rookie season's 31.8%.
Throughout the season, Matkovic appeared in 62 games, often stepping up when called upon. Despite sometimes going long stretches without playing, he maintained his readiness and contributed when needed.
"I try to be ready always," Matkovic said during the season. "I talk to players and talk to coaches about how to stay ready always.
I think I’m doing a good job at it. Just staying healthy and available.
When the time comes, trying to be ready."
Drafted by the Pelicans in the second round of the 2022 draft, Matkovic initially honed his skills overseas before joining the Pelicans' G League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, in 2024. Later that year, he made his way to the Pelicans' main roster, where he's been making his mark ever since.
Turning to the Summer League, the NBA has set the stage for some exciting matchups in Las Vegas from July 9-19. The Pelicans will tip-off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 9, followed by games against the Charlotte Hornets (July 11), Phoenix Suns (July 12), and Cleveland Cavaliers (July 15).
The outcome of these games will determine their fifth matchup. The Pelicans are eager to break a streak, having lost 11 consecutive Summer League games since their last win in 2023.
This year's squad will be under the guidance of new assistant coach, God Shammgod.
In other news, former Pelican Jose Alvarado, who was traded to the New York Knicks in February, is set to remain in the Big Apple. Alvarado played a crucial role as a reserve, averaging 6.6 points and 3.8 assists, helping the Knicks clinch their first championship in 53 years. Despite declining his $4.5 million player option, Alvarado plans to sign a new three-year deal worth over $14 million, ensuring his continued presence with the Knicks next season.
In Other News...
Pelicans Face An Offseason Squeeze They May Not Solve Easily
With the 2026 NBA free agency cycle drawing closer, the Pelicans are staring at a narrow path to improve a roster that still has obvious holes. They are expected to have only about $15 million before the luxury tax to work with, which makes every decision matter as they look to add size, shooting and more balance around a core that still needs help in several spots.
One priority is a more physical center to give the front line a different look, while another is a floor-spacing wing to help a team that was among the leagues worst shooting groups. Depending on how the roster shakes out, a backup point guard could also enter the conversation, but even getting through that list of needs in free agency alone looks like a tall order for New Orleans. [Read more 🡒]
Pelicans Fans Can Probably Cross One Blockbuster Rumor Off The List
Trade chatter around Jaylen Brown can be loud enough to make almost any team sound involved, but the Pelicans do not appear to be one of the clubs truly pushing into that lane. NBA insider Michael Scotto reported that New Orleans was among the teams described as not being in the mix for Brown, and people around the Pelicans have indicated there was little appetite for exploring that kind of deal.
For a fan base that has seen plenty of star speculation swirl around the roster, the more useful takeaway is where the smoke seems to be coming from. The idea of a Brown swap has been floated in plenty of places, but the Pelicans side does not sound like a serious driver of it, and there are hints that Boston's long-standing interest in Trey Murphy may be coloring the conversation more than anything New Orleans is actively trying to do. [Read more 🡒]