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40 Facts About Boban Marjanovic

Sheeree Levitt

Written by Sheeree Levitt

Modified & Updated: 21 Sep 2024

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Source: Si.com

Who is Boban Marjanović? Boban Marjanović, affectionately known as "Bobi," is a Serbian professional basketball player who has captured hearts both on and off the court. Standing at a towering 7 feet 4 inches, Boban's journey from a small town in Serbia to the NBA is nothing short of remarkable. Known for his incredible efficiency and unique charisma, he has played for several NBA teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, and Dallas Mavericks. Beyond basketball, Boban has dabbled in acting, starring in "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum," and has become a beloved figure in commercials and media. Let's dive into 40 intriguing facts about this gentle giant.

Key Takeaways:

  • Boban Marjanovic's extraordinary journey from Serbia to the NBA showcases his exceptional talent, towering height, and charismatic personality, making him a beloved figure both on and off the basketball court.
  • Despite his towering height and limited playing time, Boban Marjanovic's efficiency on the court, unique style, and exceptional charisma have made him a fan favorite and a beloved figure in the world of sports and entertainment.
Table of Contents
01Early Life and Beginnings
02International Experience
03Success in European Leagues
04Transition to the NBA
05Impressive Statistics
06The "Bobi Effect"
07Achievements and Recognition
08Efficiency and Potential
09Beyond Basketball
10Relationships and Friendships
11Off-Court Activities
12Legacy and Impact
13Boban Marjanović: A Giant Among Men

Early Life and Beginnings

Boban Marjanović, affectionately known as "Bobi," has an extraordinary journey that began in Serbia. His early life and initial steps into basketball set the stage for his remarkable career.

  1. Birth and Early Life: Born on August 15, 1988, in Boljevac, Serbia, Boban's towering height was a stark contrast to his family's average stature. His father stands at just 5 feet 9 inches.

  2. Gigantism: Boban's exceptional height is due to a pituitary gland condition, which caused his gigantism. This rare condition began to manifest when he was a young boy.

  3. Basketball Beginnings: Boban started playing basketball with the youth teams of Boljevac-based club Rtanj. By age 14, he was already 6 feet 10.5 inches tall.

  4. Hemofarm Years: From 2006 to 2010, Boban played for Hemofarm, gaining valuable experience in the Adriatic League. He was also loaned to Swisslion Takovo for a brief period.

International Experience

Boban's career took him across Europe, where he played for several top-tier teams and honed his skills.

  1. CSKA Moscow: In 2010, Boban signed a three-year contract with CSKA Moscow. However, after a coaching change, he was loaned to Žalgiris in Lithuania for the 2010-2011 season.

  2. Nizhny Novgorod and Radnički Kragujevac: Boban played for Nizhny Novgorod in Russia for half a season before returning to Serbia to play for Radnički Kragujevac on loan.

  3. Mega Vizura and Serbian League MVP: In 2012, Boban signed with Mega Vizura, where he was named the MVP of the Serbian League, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Success in European Leagues

Boban's time in European leagues showcased his talent and paved the way for his transition to the NBA.

  1. ABA League and EuroLeague Success: While with KK Crvena zvezda, Boban won the national championship and the ABA League in 2015. He was also voted one of the top players in the EuroLeague in 2015.

  2. Serbian Super League MVP: Boban was the Serbian Super League MVP for three consecutive years before moving to the NBA.

Transition to the NBA

Boban's move to the NBA marked a new chapter in his career, where he continued to impress with his unique skills and personality.

  1. NBA Debut: At 27, Boban made his NBA debut with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015, transitioning from his European career to the top-tier league in the United States.

  2. NBA Teams: Boban has played for several NBA teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets.

  3. Height and Weight: Standing at 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 293 pounds, Boban is one of the tallest active players in the NBA, tied with Victor Wembanyama and Zach Edey.

Impressive Statistics

Despite often playing a backup role, Boban's efficiency and skill on the court are unmatched.

  1. Efficiency Rating: Boban holds the number one player efficiency rating in NBA history, a statistic that accounts for all contributions a player makes in a single game.

  2. True Shooting Percentage: His true shooting percentage is comparable to Steph Curry's, indicating his exceptional shooting ability.

  3. Points per Shot Attempt: Boban leads the league in points per shot attempt all time, showcasing his efficiency on the court.

  4. Potential Hall of Famer: If he played as many minutes as LeBron James, Boban would be tied with Michael Jordan for total points in NBA history.

The "Bobi Effect"

Boban's charisma and charm have created a phenomenon known as the "Bobi Effect," extending his influence beyond basketball.

  1. Acting Career: Boban starred in "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum" alongside Keanu Reeves, showcasing his acting skills in a major Hollywood film.

  2. Commercial Success: He has been featured in numerous commercials, advertising products ranging from Goldfish to insurance.

  3. Personality and Charisma: Known for his hugs and friendly demeanor, Boban is loved by everyone. His ability to form strong friendships with both teammates and opponents is unparalleled.

  4. Mark Cuban's Praise: Billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, has praised Boban for his personality, stating, “He’s immediately your best friend”.

  5. Marcus Morris's Praise: Los Angeles Clippers forward Marcus Morris once told Boban, “You might be the nicest guy I’ve ever met,” highlighting his exceptional character.

Achievements and Recognition

Boban's achievements in the EuroLeague and Serbian Super League are a testament to his talent and hard work.

  1. EuroLeague Achievements: During his time in the EuroLeague, Boban led the league in field goal percentage, rebounds per game, and performance index rating in his final season.

  2. Contract with San Antonio Spurs: He signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs in 2015, marking a significant milestone in his NBA career.

  3. Career Statistics: Despite being a backup player, Boban has impressive career statistics, including a high true shooting percentage and points per shot attempt.

Efficiency and Potential

Boban's efficiency on the court is unmatched, making him a dominant player despite his limited playing time.

  1. Efficiency on the Court: His ability to score efficiently is unmatched. He releases his jumper with the touch of a neurosurgeon and plants himself in the low post like the Demogorgon from "Stranger Things".

  2. Dominant Player Potential: According to FiveThirtyEight's Chris Herring, Boban is actually the most efficient scorer in NBA history on a per-minute basis.

  3. Career Backup Role: Despite his impressive statistics and potential, Boban has largely played a backup role throughout his career.

  4. Financial Stability: Despite his limited playing time, Boban earns $7 million annually. He also owns a house in Manhattan Beach and has two children.

Beyond Basketball

Boban's influence extends beyond the basketball court, making him a beloved figure in various industries.

  1. Film and Media Appearances: Boban has appeared in various films and commercials, showcasing his versatility beyond basketball.

  2. Cultural Impact: The "Bobi Effect" has extended beyond basketball to various industries and media platforms.

  3. Challenges in Modern Basketball: In an era dominated by fast-paced, high-flying players, Boban's lumbering style has made him less playable.

Relationships and Friendships

Boban's friendly nature and charisma have earned him praise and admiration from teammates and opponents alike.

  1. Gregg Popovich's Discovery: Boban was discovered by Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs, marking the beginning of his NBA journey.

  2. Stan Van Gundy's Trust: Stan Van Gundy signed Boban to a three-year deal in Detroit, demonstrating his trust in Boban's abilities.

  3. Doc Rivers and Tobias Harris: The friendship between Boban and Tobias Harris began with a humorous introduction, eventually becoming close friends.

Off-Court Activities

Boban's joyful personality and boundless charm make him a beloved figure off the court as well.

  1. Off-Court Activities: Boban often engages in light-hearted activities and enjoys spending time with his teammates and opponents alike.

  2. Philanthropy and Community Work: While specific details about his philanthropic activities are limited, Boban's kind nature and charitable spirit are well-documented.

  3. Fan Favorite: Despite his limited playing time, Boban has become a fan favorite. His unique personality and exceptional skills on the court have endeared him to fans across the globe.

Legacy and Impact

Boban's legacy in basketball extends beyond his playing career, inspiring a new generation of players.

  1. Legacy in Basketball: Boban's legacy in basketball extends beyond his playing career. He has inspired a new generation of players with his unique style and exceptional efficiency on the court.

  2. Enduring Impact: The impact of Boban Marjanović on basketball will be remembered for years to come. His legacy as a dominant scorer, charismatic personality, and cultural icon continues to inspire and captivate fans worldwide.

  3. Enduring Impact: The impact of Boban Marjanović on basketball will be remembered for years to come. His legacy as a dominant scorer, charismatic personality, and cultural icon continues to inspire and captivate fans worldwide.

Boban Marjanović: A Giant Among Men

Boban Marjanović isn't just a towering figure in basketball; he's a legend with a heart as big as his stature. From his early days in Serbia to his NBA journey, Boban's story is one of perseverance, talent, and charisma. His efficiency on the court is unmatched, making him a standout player despite often being a backup. Off the court, his charm and personality have won him fans worldwide, earning him roles in movies and commercials. The "Bobi Effect" showcases his unique appeal, transcending sports to touch various industries. Boban's legacy is more than just stats and highlights; it's about the joy and inspiration he brings to everyone around him. Whether dominating the paint or lighting up the screen, Boban Marjanović continues to be a giant in every sense of the word.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Boban Marjanovic?
Boban Marjanovic stands tall as a Serbian professional basketball player, known for his impressive height and skills on the court. Playing in the NBA, he's become a fan favorite not just for his basketball prowess but also for his friendly giant persona off the court.
How tall is Boban Marjanovic?
Towering at 7 feet 4 inches, Boban's height is one of his most talked-about attributes. This makes him one of the tallest players in the history of the NBA, giving him a significant advantage under the basket.
What teams has Boban Marjanovic played for in the NBA?
Throughout his NBA career, Boban has played for several teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks. Each stint has added to his reputation as a valuable team player.
What's special about Boban Marjanovic's hands?
Boban's hands are famously large, even by basketball standards. Pictures of him holding a basketball, making it look like a grapefruit in comparison, have gone viral. His hand size contributes to his excellent control of the ball.
Has Boban Marjanovic acted in movies?
Yes, Boban has dipped his toes in the acting world. Most notably, he appeared in 'John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum,' where he played an assassin. His role in the film showcased his versatility and added to his popularity off the court.
What is Boban Marjanovic's relationship with Tobias Harris?
Boban and Tobias Harris share a special bond, often referred to as a "bromance" by fans and media. Their friendship began when they were teammates and has continued to thrive, with both players often sharing moments of their friendship on social media.
How does Boban Marjanovic contribute off the court?
Off the court, Boban is known for his charitable work and community involvement. He's participated in various initiatives and events aimed at helping children and promoting sports among the youth, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community.

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