Karlo Matković

Matkovic is the rare draft-and-stash pick who actually arrived. Born in Livno to a Croat family and developed across Slovenia and Serbia — including a EuroCup blocks title and a Slovenian championship with Cedevita Olimpija — he was a 2022 second-round pick, 52nd overall, who stayed overseas two more years before debuting for New Orleans in October 2024. His second NBA season was the breakout: 62 games at 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds on a striking 60.4% from the field, a number that reflects how much of his offense comes at the rim and in transition. He's an athletic, energy-first big whose vertical rim pressure and shot-blocking earned him a 2026-27 team-option pickup. The swing skill is a dependable jumper to stretch the floor.