Karlo Matkovic Will Increase Three-Point Attempts
The Pelicans forward-center plans to expand his perimeter shooting role for the 2026-27 NBA season.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Basketball
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Forward-center Karlo Matkovic will play an expanded role in the New Orleans Pelicans offense during the 2026-27 season. Coaches have encouraged the 25-year-old to shoot open three-pointers without hesitation to provide additional scoring opportunities.
Why it matters
Matkovic is evolving his game from traditional interior play to include consistent perimeter shooting. This strategic shift aims to create more space on the court for the Pelicans offense.
Matkovic recorded 59 made three-pointers on 156 total attempts over his first two NBA seasons, resulting in a 37.8% conversion rate.
The players
Karlo Matkovic
He is a 25-year-old forward-center for the New Orleans Pelicans who was drafted into the NBA in 2022.
New Orleans Pelicans
This is a professional NBA team based in New Orleans that competes in the Western Conference.
The details
After moving to New Orleans in 2024, Matkovic adjusted his playing style to focus on perimeter scoring. He is currently preparing for exhibition play after representing the senior national team of Croatia in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
Timeline
Matkovic was drafted into the NBA in 2022.
Matkovic joined the New Orleans Pelicans in 2024.
Matkovic spoke with reporters after practice on October 6, 2026.
The Pelicans play an exhibition game against the Thunder on October 7, 2026.
The regular season begins against the Pacers on October 21, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Matkovic's move toward perimeter shooting mirrors the league-wide evolution toward positionless basketball for frontcourt players. This tactical shift could enhance the team's spacing options and rotation flexibility throughout the 2026-27 season.
Matkovic's increased shooting volume could alter the team's frontcourt rotation and provide fantasy managers with a new spacing option. His usage rate will be a key metric to monitor during the upcoming exhibition games in Tulsa and the regular season opener.
The takeaway
Players who diversify their scoring arsenal are increasingly valuable in the modern NBA's pace-and-space environment. Adapting to a perimeter role can significantly extend the career and versatility of a forward-center.
Further reading
For more on the team's season preparation, visit the New Orleans Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eurohoops.
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