Boban Marjanovic has been an entertaining fixture in the NBA. Known for his infectious energy and comically abnormal build, he has been a fan favorite since entering the league. Over the years, he’s become beloved by fans, teammates, and even social media, with his larger-than-life personality. From local and national TV commercials to even some movie roles, the 7-foot-4 Serbian center has left a mark on the culture and the basketball court. The former Dallas Mavericks center has announced he will leave the NBA this season to play in Turkey.
Boban Marjanovic Leaves NBA For Turkey
Boban Marjanovic is taking his talents to Turkey. He’s signed with Fenerbahçe, one of the top teams in the EuroLeague. The deal includes a clause allowing Marjanovic to return to the NBA if an opportunity arises by December. However, it’s unclear whether that return will happen. At 36 years old, Marjanovic is well into the latter stages of his career. He only played in 14 games for the Houston Rockets last season and hasn’t averaged more than 10 minutes a game since the 2019-20 season.
Boban Marjanović has signed with Fenerbahce in Turkey. If this is the end of his NBA career, we've all been blessed to see him tower above the League pic.twitter.com/JaxyQPuxAF
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) September 17, 2024
An Unlikely Career
Marjanovic’s NBA journey began in 2015 when he joined the San Antonio Spurs. Over the next nine seasons, he played for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, and the Houston Rockets. Despite limited court time, Marjanovic effectively filled the role of the third string center, using his size, strength, and rim protection skills when called upon. Marjanovic’s longest NBA stint was three seasons as a Dallas Mavericks center. Throughout his NBA career, he averaged 5.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in just under nine minutes of playing time per contest.
After leaving the Mavericks after the 2021-22 season, Marjanovic moved across the state to Houston. He has struggled to find consistent minutes over the past two seasons with the Rockets, where he averaged just 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in 45 appearances. His size, while an advantage, has also made him a target in modern NBA schemes, particularly on defense, where he can be vulnerable to the pick-and-roll.
Boban Marjanović’s last act on an NBA court was to ensure Clippers fans got free chicken sandwiches by bricking two free throws.
Farewell to a giant and a gentleman. pic.twitter.com/AcbUjikqqo
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) September 17, 2024
The Former Mavericks Center is Now in Turkey
Now, with Fenerbahçe, Marjanovic joins a talented team and will likely play a supporting role behind former NBA center Khem Birch. His addition gives him the chance to shine in European basketball once again. Marjanovic previously played in the EuroLeague before his NBA tenure. Euro League basketball tends to be a bit slower and more tactical and doesn’t have a defensive three-second violation. This will allow Marjanovic to succeed while hiding some of his athletic shortcomings.
Even if Marjanovic has played his last game in the NBA, his impact on the league goes beyond the stat sheet. He brought joy and entertainment to the game, something that will be missed. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if he pursues a post-basketball career in acting. He’s already appeared in movies like “John Wick” and “Hustle.” Whether on the court or the big screen, Boban Marjanovic will continue to captivate audiences with his larger-than-life presence.
