Matkovic served as the second or third-string center for much of the 2025-26 season, averaging 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 14.7 minutes per game. Despite an underwhelming season, New Orleans made very few changes to its roster during the offseason, although it did part ways with Kevon Looney. While this hypothetically opens up more minutes for Matkovic, the fact that Looney barely touched the floor after the first month of last season doesn't bode well. Matkovic will likely play behind Yves Missi and Derik Queen, while both Herbert Jones and Zion Williamson could also spend time at the center position. For now, Matkovic is not someone who needs to be drafted.