Mavs' 7-foot-4 fan favorite Boban Marjanovic signs with a new basketball team
One of the most universally adored figures in modern basketball history is taking his talents back to the Adriatic region, landing at a destination that holds a special connection to his time in Texas. Boban Marjanovic, the 7-foot-4 center who became a cultural phenomenon during his nine-year NBA tenure, has officially signed with Slovenian club KK Ilirija. The move ends a brief period of speculation regarding the 37-year-old’s future after he split the 2024-25 campaign between teams in Turkey and China.
For fans of the Dallas Mavericks, this signing carries a heartwarming narrative twist. KK Ilirija is currently managed by sports director Saša Dončić, the father of Mavericks superstar and Marjanovic’s close friend, Luka Dončić. The duo formed one of the league’s most entertaining friendships during their three seasons together in Dallas, often going viral for their pregame antics and genuine camaraderie. Joining a program overseen by the elder Dončić serves as a poetic continuation of that bond, bringing the Serbian giant closer to the family of his former All-Star teammate.
Marjanovic’s legacy in the NBA remains unique. After entering the league with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015, he played for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Houston Rockets, in addition to his memorable stint in Dallas. Despite limited minutes, he was statistically one of the most efficient scorers in league history, boasting a career Player Efficiency Rating (PER) that often rivaled Hall of Famers. He appeared in 331 regular-season games, averaging 5.5 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting nearly 58% from the field.
Since leaving the Houston Rockets in 2024, Marjanovic has continued his professional journey overseas, suiting up for Fenerbahçe Beko and the Zhejiang Lions. His arrival at KK Ilirija is expected to provide veteran stability and a massive interior presence for the Slovenian side. While the NBA chapter of his career has closed, Marjanovic’s influence as the ultimate "glue guy" and fan favorite continues to resonate across the global basketball landscape.
For fans of the Dallas Mavericks, this signing carries a heartwarming narrative twist. KK Ilirija is currently managed by sports director Saša Dončić, the father of Mavericks superstar and Marjanovic’s close friend, Luka Dončić. The duo formed one of the league’s most entertaining friendships during their three seasons together in Dallas, often going viral for their pregame antics and genuine camaraderie. Joining a program overseen by the elder Dončić serves as a poetic continuation of that bond, bringing the Serbian giant closer to the family of his former All-Star teammate.
Marjanovic’s legacy in the NBA remains unique. After entering the league with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015, he played for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Houston Rockets, in addition to his memorable stint in Dallas. Despite limited minutes, he was statistically one of the most efficient scorers in league history, boasting a career Player Efficiency Rating (PER) that often rivaled Hall of Famers. He appeared in 331 regular-season games, averaging 5.5 points and 3.6 rebounds while shooting nearly 58% from the field.
Since leaving the Houston Rockets in 2024, Marjanovic has continued his professional journey overseas, suiting up for Fenerbahçe Beko and the Zhejiang Lions. His arrival at KK Ilirija is expected to provide veteran stability and a massive interior presence for the Slovenian side. While the NBA chapter of his career has closed, Marjanovic’s influence as the ultimate "glue guy" and fan favorite continues to resonate across the global basketball landscape.
