Pelicans' Matkovic Emerges as Surprise Contributor

Rookie big man forces coach James Borrego to rethink rotation with his effort, physicality, and team-first mentality.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:26pm

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When the New Orleans Pelicans opened the season, Karlo Matkovic was not expected to be a key part of the rotation. However, through consistent energy, reliable play, and a selfless team-first approach, the 24-year-old Croatian rookie has forced his way into significant minutes, complicating Pelicans coach James Borrego's lineup decisions with multiple productive big men competing for playing time.

Why it matters

Matkovic's emergence as a two-way contributor highlights the value of players who bring intangible qualities like effort, physicality, and a team-first mentality, even if they may not have the headline-grabbing stat lines. His play has earned the trust of the coaching staff and teammates, showcasing how a young player can carve out a role through sheer determination.

The details

Matkovic is averaging a near double-double while shooting 46% from 3-point range, and has also been a defensive presence with multiple blocks in recent games. Coach Borrego has praised Matkovic's willingness to do the 'dirty work' without needing the spotlight, as well as his pace, shooting, and two-way ability. Borrego has acknowledged the 'tough' decision of managing the Pelicans' crowded frontcourt rotation, with Matkovic continuing to earn more playing time.

  • Matkovic has been flirting with 10-point, 10-rebound nights more frequently in recent games, as of February 23, 2026.
  • Matkovic has blocked at least two shots in three of the last eight games, as of February 23, 2026.

The players

Karlo Matkovic

A 24-year-old Croatian rookie big man for the New Orleans Pelicans who has emerged as a surprise contributor through his effort, physicality, and team-first mentality.

James Borrego

The head coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, who has praised Matkovic's play and acknowledged the 'tough' decision of managing the team's crowded frontcourt rotation.

Zion Williamson

The star player for the New Orleans Pelicans, who is part of the team's crowded frontcourt rotation along with Matkovic and other productive big men.

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What they’re saying

“He is making it tough on me. It's tough deciding who we are going to play, who we are not going to play. We've got a number of guys playing well in the front court with (Derik Queen, Yves Missi) and Karlo. (Kevon Looney) is a pro and he's been there; then there is (Zion Williamson) as well. Still, Karlo keeps putting pressure on me to continue to play him through his effort, his physicality, his size, and his ability to be a two-way player.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach (ClutchPoints)

“It's all the intangibles, too. (Matkovic) does not care if he scores or if he gets the credit. He is what you want to be about as a team. Karlo is a team-first guy.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach (ClutchPoints)

“Somewhere back home, someone taught him well; he was raised well. He was coached well, and he has a spirit about selflessness and team that I just love. That oozes out of his play and he continues to play with great confidence.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

The Pelicans will have to decide whether to pick up Matkovic's $2.2 million club option for next season, as the 52nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has proven to be a valuable contributor despite not being projected as a key rotation player at the start of the year.

The takeaway

Karlo Matkovic's emergence as a surprise contributor for the Pelicans showcases the value of players who bring intangible qualities like effort, physicality, and a team-first mentality, even if they may not have the most eye-catching stat lines. His play has earned the trust of the coaching staff and teammates, highlighting how a young player can carve out a meaningful role through sheer determination.