Pelicans sign 2022 second-round pick Karlo Matković to 3-year rookie contract

Karlo Matković , the 52nd pick in the 2022 NBA draft, signed a three-year, $4.9 million rookie contract with the New Orleans Pelicans , according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Matković, who was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, joined the organization in February and finished the season in the G League with the Birmingham Squadron. He averaged 17.3 points, eight rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 blocks on 62.1% shooting from the field in 10 games.

The 6-foot-10 forward played six years across Europe before joining the Squadron, most recently with Cedevita Olimpija in Slovenia. He averaged 15 points, seven rebounds, 2.6 blocks and 1.1 steals on 63% shooting from the field in 34 games.

Matković, who previously played with the Pelicans in summer league twice, is averaging nine points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and 1.5 steals in two games with the team in Las Vegas. He registered 10 points and five assists on Sunday.

The 23-year-old is highly touted for his ability on both ends of the court. He has great mobility at his size and can run the floor well on offense and protect the paint on defense. He has also shown improvement with his shot and is emerging as a floor spacer.

Matković has also represented Croatia in several international events, most recently in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket qualifiers. He averaged 8.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in two games.

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