Reports: Former Rockets Center Sensation Leaves NBA, Returns To Euroleague Play
Boban Marjanović Agrees to Join Fenerbahçe Beko
Serbian center Boban Marjanović has reached an agreement to sign with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe Beko, ending his nine-year NBA career, according to Eurohoops. The 7’4″ big man will return to European basketball and Euroleague competition. Over his NBA tenure, Marjanović averaged 5.5 points on 57.8% shooting and 3.6 rebounds in just 8.7 minutes per game.
Despite his massive 36-year-old frame and soft touch around the rim, his size often made him a defensive liability in modern NBA schemes. In his final two seasons with the Houston Rockets (2022-23 and 2023-24), Marjanović served as the team’s third or fourth-string center. However, with veteran Steven Adams returning from injury and pushing Jock Landale to third on the depth chart, the Rockets no longer had a roster spot for another center-only player. Marjanović was highly respected for his leadership and positive presence in the Rockets’ locker room. Now, he will look to make an impact in the Euroleague and Turkish BSL with Fenerbahçe Beko.
Fenerbahçe reaches agreement with Boban Marjanović #EuroLeague https://t.co/RdxX0n7hT8
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 17, 2024
Marjanovic scored 13 points (with a 75% shooting percentage) and grabbed 8 rebounds in Houston’s season finale win against Los Angeles last April. He became a fan favorite among Clippers supporters when he purposefully missed two free throws—prompting a free-chicken promotion—after the game was mostly settled.
As it currently appears, that might be his last appearance in the NBA.