Boban Marjanovic, the cult icon in San Antonio who was, arguably, the favorite Spur, has reportedly agreed to join the Detroit Pistons and will sign a three-year, $21 million contract, according to Marc Stein. Stein added that the Spurs organization is “resigned” to losing the 7-3 Serbian, but can’t match the offer because of cap reasons.
Before joining the NBA, Marjanovic averaged 16.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and shot 62 percent from the field for Crvena Zvezda of the Euroleague. Marjanovic signed a one-year deal with the Spurs last summer and would appear in 54 games under Gregg Popovich. In those games, he averaged just 9.4 minutes, but put up staggering numbers that included 5.5 points and 3.6 rebounds; although those don’t sound like much, per 36 minutes those numbers increase to 21 points and 13.7 rebounds.
After spending seven seasons in Europe, the 27-year-old came over with a solid feel for the game and a very well-rounded offensive repertoire. He can hit shots from mid-range, and is an absolute tower around the basket. Despite what he does on defense, offense, and the boards, he’s able to do it because he moves as fluidly as someone can at 7-3.
A lot of his minutes came in garbage time, but Marjanovic still made the most of them on all ends of the floor. His biggest advantage is as a rebounder, and Stan Van Gundy has, potentially, another premier rebounder to pair with Andre Drummond.
All data courtesy of Basketball-Reference
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