Karlo Matkovic Under Pressure as Pelicans Add Trendon Watford
Source: SI NBA. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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The New Orleans Pelicans finalized their 15-man roster this week by signing Trendon Watford, a versatile forward who brings a brand of playmaking that could reshape the team's frontcourt dynamics. The signing immediately puts Karlo Matkovic, the 6-foot-10 Croatian big man, in a precarious position. Matkovic, drafted 52nd overall in 2022, spent two seasons overseas before joining the Pelicans last year. He appeared in a career-high 62 games and showed flashes of promise as a high-energy rim runner with occasional range from beyond the arc. The team picked up his option this summer, signaling some belief in his potential.
But Watford, at the same age as Matkovic, has already played twice as many NBA games and started four times as many. His game is rooted in the paint—roughly 75 percent of his shots last season came from within 10 feet. What sets him apart is his ability to handle the ball, float shots, and find open shooters. Over the last two seasons, he averaged about 2.6 assists per game, a passing skill that neither Matkovic nor Yves Missi consistently offers. That connective quality could be invaluable in an offense that may rely on small-ball lineups.
Crowding the frontcourt even further are Zion Williamson, Derik Queen, and Saddiq Bey. Queen, remarkably, played 81 games in his rookie season, while Williamson logged the second-most games of his career last year. Bey's emergence gave the Pelicans flexibility in closing lineups. Now, with Watford in the mix, the team has a logjam of forwards who thrive in the paint or on the move. Missi, the young center, will also factor in for minutes.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley, who previously ran a more traditional frontcourt in Orlando with Wendell Carter Jr. and Paolo Banchero, may need to adapt. The Pelicans appear poised to play faster and smaller, leaning on Williamson and Queen to handle the bulk of frontcourt minutes. That shift could sideline Matkovic, whose rim-running and energy might not outweigh the offensive connectivity Watford provides.
The Pelicans' social media team posted a highlight of Matkovic with the caption: "THIS MAN KARLO IS ON ONE 🔨🔨🔨"—a nod to his occasional explosive moments. But consistency remains a question. Both Matkovic and Watford are on one-year deals, making this season a live audition. For Matkovic, training camp becomes a proving ground: can his hustle and occasional outside shooting convince Mosley that he deserves minutes over Watford's floor game?
Mosley will have to weigh the trade-offs. Watford's playmaking offers insurance if Williamson or Queen miss time—a realistic concern given Williamson's injury history. Watford is not as skilled as those two, but his style mirrors theirs, providing continuity. Meanwhile, Matkovic's energy is undeniable, but his offensive game is less refined. The Pelicans' decision to not sign a true starting center this offseason suggests they are betting on speed and versatility. That bet puts Matkovic on the edge. If he can't prove he fits the new tempo, he may find himself watching from the bench.
Article commentary
The Pelicans' signing of Trendon Watford is a calculated move that reflects the team's broader strategic shift. New Orleans is leaning into a smaller, faster identity, and Watford's playmaking as a big man fits that vision. He is not a star, but his ability to handle the ball and create for others offers a safety net in an offense that revolves around Zion Williamson's downhill pressure and Derik Queen's surprising durability. For a team that has struggled with injuries, having a player who can replicate certain aspects of Williamson's game—even at a lower level—makes sense. Karlo Matkovic, meanwhile, finds himself in a difficult spot. He is a high-energy player with clear physical tools, but his skill set is more traditional: rim running, shot blocking, and occasional spot-up threes. In a league increasingly valuing versatility and passing from the frontcourt, Matkovic's game can feel one-dimensional. His best chance is to outwork Watford in training camp and prove that his energy and defensive potential outweigh the offensive fluidity Watford brings. But the numbers are against him. Watford has more experience, a more developed playmaking instinct, and a style that aligns with the Pelicans' direction. Coach Jamahl Mosley's background adds another layer. In Orlando, he used a big frontcourt with Carter and Banchero. In New Orleans, he may have to adapt to a smaller lineup. That could be a challenge, but it also shows organizational flexibility. The Pelicans are not married to a single philosophy; they are building around their best players. Williamson and Queen will dominate minutes, and the rest of the frontcourt will fight for scraps. Missi offers a different look as a true center, while Bey provides shooting and defense. Watford and Matkovic are essentially competing for a single rotation spot. From a roster construction perspective, the Pelicans have created healthy competition. Both players are on one-year deals, so neither has long-term security. That could push both to perform at their best. But the risk is that the logjam leads to inconsistent minutes and stunted development. Matkovic, in particular, needs consistent playing time to refine his game. If he is stuck behind a deeper rotation, his growth could stall. Ultimately, this signing is a low-risk move with moderate upside. Watford is a known quantity who can contribute immediately, while Matkovic remains a project. The Pelicans are betting on proven playmaking over raw potential. If Matkovic wants to stay on the roster, he will need to show that his energy can translate into wins—and that he can do something Watford cannot. That is a tall order, but training camp will tell the story.